Capitola Soquel Times: October 2020

Family Owned For Over 29 Years • Capitola, Soquel, Live Oak, Pleasure Point

Times Publishing Group, Inc.

October 2020 • Vol 25 No. 10

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Comments Due Oct. 18 on Hwy 1 Lanes and Bus On Shoulder

Public input is being sought as Caltrans formally initiates studies for the preparation of the draft environmental impact report/environmental assessment for the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes and Bus-on-Shoulder Project and Coastal Rail Trail Segment 12 Project.

Full Story page 4

County Reports Ninth COVID Death Full Story page 7

Lavender Ladies Sell Their Wares This year has been challenging for the MidCounty Senior Center, which closed in mid-March to slow the spread of the contagious coronavirus COVID-19.

The senior center, at 829 Bay Ave., Capitola, offered more than a dozen activities from bridge and canasta to folk dancing, ping pong and photography, for people age 50 and up.

Older people are more at risk for complications from the new coronavirus.

The MidCounty Senior Center Garden has remained open, allowing members to work outside — where the virus is less likely to spread — and grow fruit, vegetables, and plants such as lavender. ... continues on page 4

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UCSC Ramps Up COVID-19 Testing

By mid-October, UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia “Cindy” Larive expects the lab on campus will be able to handle 1,200 to 1,500 COVID-19 tests a week.

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2 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

No. 10

Volume 25

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22

29

Table of Contents

12

Cover

Lavender Ladies Sell Their Wares

4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 15 16 17 19 22 24

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Community News Hwy 1 Lanes/Bus On Shoulder: Comments On Project Due Oct. 18 UCSC Ramps Up COVID-19 Testing: Fewer Students on Campus After CZU Fire, By Jondi Gumz Cotoni-Coast Dairies Environmental Assessment Available: Three Public Access Points, 27 Miles of Trails Proposed For 6,000-Acre Site County Reports Ninth COVID Death: Outbreak at Watsonville Nursing Home Affects 33 People, By Jondi Gumz State to Address Discriminatory Names Koenig Ahead of Leopold in Fundraising For Supervisor, By Jondi Gumz • Applications Due October 11 for Small Business Grants Sierra Club Q’s SqCWD Candidates Dining Out(doors) To Survive, By Jondi Gumz FireSafe Tips From Someone Who Knows, By Jondi Gumz Banff Film Tour Features Local Skier Capitola City Council Candidates Forum, Oct. 7 on Zoom • Sexual Assault Exams Now Available Locally Jobs in Santa Cruz County: July 2020 GoFundMe: Rebuild the Empire Grade Tower Site, By Matthew Kaufman Post-Foster Care Shelter Moving from Seventh Day Church • Special Needs Trusts Seminar Oct. 22 • Access2Employment Job Fair Goes Virtual • WomenCARE’s Strike Out Against Cancer Goes Virtual • Friends Fire Fund To Help Parks, Staff Disaster Helpline Available 24/7 • Live Your Dream Award Applications Due Nov. 15

Election 2020 10 Voting in 2020: What You Need to Know: Important Changes Include Your Ballot Arriving By Mail in October • Nine Questions for Soquel Creek Water District

Business Profile 20 Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden: Watsonville Business Celebrating 30 Years,

By Edita McQuary

California News 21 AG: $60M Surgical Mesh Case Settlement

Monthly Horoscope • Page 26 – Let Choice Be Made, By Risa D’Angeles

Featured Columnists 19 Pictures from the Past: Soquel School, 1890s: By Carolyn Swift 25 Q & A: Taking Your Child to the Doctor During COVID-19, By Dr. Maya Heinert, MD 27 Racial Justice and Educational Equity, By Scott J. Turnbull 28 Is Rent Control Good For Businesses?, By Ron Kustek 29 Imagine a Day Without Water: Pure Water Soquel Working With Community To Ensure That Day Never Comes, By Rebecca Gold Rubin 30 Hwy 1 Improvements in the Pipeline, By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor 31 Fertilizer Is A Seasonal Commodity, By Tony Tomeo

SCCAS Featured Pet • Page 31 – Midnight Fluff

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COMMUNITY NEWS

publisher

Patrice Edwards

editor

Jondi Gumz

contributing writers Camisa Composti, Jondi Gumz, Matthew Kaufman, Edita McQuary, Risa D’Angeles, Dr. Maya Heinert, Scott J. Turnbull, Ron Kustek, Rebecca Gold Rubin, Zach Friend, Tony Tomeo layout Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson graphic artists Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson photography Michael Oppenheimer, Jim Johnson, Brad King website Michael Oppenheimer, Camisa Composti production coordinator Camisa Composti advertising sales Don Beaumont, Teri Huckobey Cathe Race

Hwy 1 Lanes/Bus On Shoulder

P

Comments On Project Due Oct. 18

ublic input is being sought as Caltrans formally initiates studies for the preparation of the draft environmental impact report/environmental assessment for the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes and Bus-on-Shoulder Project and Coastal Rail Trail Segment 12 Project.

The proposed project will construct auxiliary lanes and bus-on-shoulder improvements on 2.7 miles of Highway

1 between Freedom Boulevard and State Park Drive in Aptos.

The proposed project will also include reconstruction of two railroad bridges over Highway 1 and the construction of Segment 12 of the Coastal Rail Trail, 1.25 miles in length, from Rio Del Mar Boulevard to State Park Drive in Aptos.

An online public scoping open house is now live at www.hwy1-freedom-statepark. com/.

The site gives a project overview and factors to be considered in the environmental analysis.

Community members can visit the online open house and provide comments there until Oct. 18.

Written comments can be mailed to Lara Bertaina, Senior Environmental Planner, Caltrans, District 5, 50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401; or emailed to Lara.Bertaina@dot.ca.gov. n

office coordinator

Bill Pooley, James Hudson

distribution

Times Publishing Group, Inc. 9601 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 The Times Publishing Group, Inc., publishers of the Aptos Times, a bi-monthly publication, the Capitola Times and Scotts Valley Times, each printed monthly, Coastal Weddings Magazine, Coastal Home and Garden Magazine, Aptos’ Fourth of July Parade Official Program Guide and Capitola’s Begonia Festival Official Program Guide, is owned by Patrice Edwards.

Entire contents ©2020. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form is prohibited without the publisher’s written permission PHONE: (831) 688-7549 FAX: (831) 688-7551 GENERAL E-MAIL: info@cyber-times.com Patrice Edwards: patrice@cyber-times.com Publisher’s Assistant: assistant@cyber-times.com Editor: info@cyber-times.com Calendar Listings: www.tpgonlinedaily.com Graphics Department: graphics@cyber-times.com Billing Inquiries: cathe@cyber-times.com Classified Sales: sales@cyber-times.com Production: production@cyber-times.com CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE AT: www.tpgonlinedaily.com mission statement We at the Times Publishing Group, Inc. are dedicated to providing a voice for the individuals and organizations in our community while highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of our local businesses. We seek to promote healthy family values through our coverage of youth activities, school news, senior events, community groups and entertainment

COVER STORY “Lavender Ladies” from page 1 MidCounty Senior Center Lavender Ladies hosted a sale in the parking lot Sept.

12 and plans another sale outdoors 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Portola Farmer’s Market, 15th Street and E. Cliff Drive in Live Oak. “We are 100% nonprofit, supporting the senior center,” said Cindy Kiernan of

4 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

the MCSC Lavender Ladies. “The Senior Center is in danger of closing. They need $45,000 to reopen following the impacts of COVID-19.”

She added, “The lavender we use in our products comes from the plants grown in the garden as well as donations from people with plants locally.”

New at the Oct. 4 sale will be the bowl cozies, masks, Jeweled sachets, lavender

oil and tooth fairy pillows. Old favorites returning, Kiernan said, are eye pillows, hanging sachets, small throw bags, cooking lavender, cooking sugar, Lavender Bath Salts and Lavender Sugar Scrub. n ••• Cover Photo: Cindy Kiernan is ready for customers at the MCSC Lavender Ladies parking lot sale. • Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

COMMUNITY NEWS

UCSC Ramps Up COVID-19 Testing

Fewer Students on Campus After CZU Fire

B

By Jondi Gumz

y mid-October, UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia “Cindy” Larive expects the lab on campus will be able to handle 1,200 to 1,500 COVID-19 tests a week.

That’s up from 500 tests a week, she shared with First District Supervisor John Leopold, a 1988 UCSC alumnus, during his Wednesday night town hall for constituents on Zoom.

Olena Morozova-Vaske, assistant professor of molecular, cell and developmental biology, had the certification required to run a testing lab, and UCSC got approval to start in May. The county invested close to $1 million in equipment for COVID-19 testing Olena Morozova Vaske before the CZU Lightning Complex fire in mid-August forced faculty and students to evacuate from the forested campus for the first time in UCSC’s 55-year history.

After the equipment arrived, Agilent Technology installed it, putting the campus in a position to dramatically increase the number of samples that can be analyzed.

It’s a PCR test developed by faculty – not a kit sold by a vendor requiring chemical agents that are in short supply.

“Ours is more sensitive, fewer false pos-

The UC Santa Cruz mascot demonstrates the proper use of a face mask.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cynthia “Cindy” Larive

itives and false negatives,” said Larive, who has a background as an analytical chemist and became UCSC chancellor in July 2019.

Results are available in 48 hours and sometimes in 24 hours.

The campus requires tests for everybody who comes to campus. Faculty who have no symptoms are tested twice a week.

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County provided funds to cover testing of staff at Salud Para La Gente and Santa Cruz Community Health, two nonprofit safety-net clinics.

Don’t expect the campus to expand into doing tests for hospitals.

“We’re not able to do tests for others,” Larive said. “ We’re not able to do billing …

Insurance billing turns out to be a really complicated thing. We’re doing our test at cost.”

Typically, billing is outsourced to a third party, but with tests at cost, there’s no profit margin to pay for billing services.

Larive pointed out, “If we take responsibility for ourselves, it frees up resources for others.”

This fall quarter is like no other.

Far fewer students will be on campus, partly due to COVID-19 and partly due to the CZU fire, which destroyed 925 homes in Bonny Doon and Boulder Creek.

All but six classes – chemistry labs, field work, and art studios -- are being taught remotely.

“Students don’t have to be here in Santa Cruz,” Larive said, noting plans to house 1,000 students — instead of 8,000 or 9,000 — on campus.

“UCSC” page 7

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Cotoni-Coast Dairies Environmental Assessment Available

Three Public Access Points, 27 Miles of Trails Proposed For 6,000-Acre Site

T

ON NOVEMBER 3RD VOTE

he Bureau of Land Management Central Coast Field Office has released its Cotoni-Coast Dairies proposed Resource Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Assessment for the California Coastal National Monument that will provide management direction for Cotoni-Coast Dairies public lands in Santa Cruz County.

Friday’s announcement begins a 30-day protest period and 60-day governor’s consistency review.

Cotoni-Coast Dairies, donated to the Bureau of Land Management in 2014, encompasses nearly 6,000 acres along Santa Cruz County’s North Coast. Access to the property is currently limited to guided tours.

The property extends along Highway 1 near Davenport. There are six forested perennial streams that flow from the Santa Cruz Mountains into the Pacific Ocean and between them are broad marine terraces. These public lands support a wide variety of habitats and wildlife, including coho salmon, steelhead trout, California red-legged frogs, mule deer and mountain lions.

The CZU Lightning Complex Fire recently tore through the North Coast burning more than 86,000 acres in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties, including 1,000 acres on the Cotoni-Coast Dairies.

“The BLM sympathizes with our neighboring communities as they rebuild from the widespread damage caused by the CZU Lightning Complex Fire,” said

Central Coast Field Manager Ben Blom.

“Public access to outdoor recreation is integral to the way of life in Santa Cruz County, and enjoying the natural scenic beauty of Cotoni-Coast Dairies can help brighten our spirits and strengthen our bodies, aiding in the North Coast’s recovery from these devastating wildland fires.”

The preferred alternative for the property includes public access, recreation and a commitment to management to reduce fuels that can feed wildland fires.

The proposed plan authorizes livestock grazing on more than 2,000 acres, and prescribed controlled burns and mechanical treatments to prevent woody vegetation encroaching into the wildland-urban interface.

The plan proposes three public access points, with two year-round and one seasonal parking area, and pedestrian/bicycle connections to San Vicente Redwoods and the North Coast Rail Trail. Nearly 27 miles of new trails would provide day-use recreation opportunities for hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and dog walkers.

All forms of recreation on the property will provide opportunities for exercise, challenging trail features, world-class vistas, nature viewing, bird watching and photography.

Approximately half of the area would be set aside as habitat for fish and wildlife, with limited recreation access.

“Dairies” page 9

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR THE CENTRAL COAST

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6 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Photo Credit: Jim Pickering/BLM

A photograph of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies property, managed by the BLM Central Coast Field Office

COMMUNITY NEWS

County Reports Ninth COVID Death

Outbreak at Watsonville Nursing Home Affects 33 People

O

By Jondi Gumz

n Thursday, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel reported a ninth COVID-19 death and the prospect of two more fatalities amidst an outbreak at a Watsonville nursing home affecting six staff and 27 patients.

For Newel, these developments in the COVID-19 pandemic are very concerning, especially with Halloween on the horizon — a holiday that ordinarily would mean lots of festive gatherings.

She said she’s held back on Halloween guidance, expecting the state to do so.

“No big parties – no small parties,” she said, anticipating what state officials might say to prevent the contagious coronavirus from spreading.

As of Thursday, the number of COVID-19 cases in the county has grown to 2,319 with 306 active cases.

After leveling off, cases are up, with contract tracing showing some linked to Labor Day gatherings and others to fire evacuees in a shelter, she said.

The latest death was a Latinx woman in her 60s with an underlying condition.

Studies have shown people with conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes have a higher fatality rate when the virus attacks compared to people without these conditions.

The federal Centers for Disease Control recently noted this, indicating that for 6 percent of those who died, COVID-19 was the only cause of death.

“UCSC” from page 5 Students in campus housing will be one per room, not grouped together, as in the past.

The library will not be open. Neither will the pool or the gym.

“I want to keep things with as little possibility for spread,” Larive said. “We can evaluate in a month.”

She expects those on campus will get exercise by walking or biking.

Places have been set up to quarantine students if need be, and the “Slug Strong” campaign reminds students to mask up.

This fall, there are more counselors and increased diversity in a “telehealth” model, to respond to the anticipated need.

Enrollment numbers have not been announced yet, but Larive expects the numbers to be similar to a year ago.

Newel said she learned via phone that two more people with COVID-19 had died, but she is waiting for the death certificates to confirm that they were county residents.

The outbreak at Watsonville Post Acute, a skilled nursing facility, was discovered through surveillance testing, in which 25 percent of the staff is tested every week even if they have no symptoms. All seven skilled nursing facilities are following this protocol.

This is because health officials have learned that people who have no symptoms are able to spread the virus.

A staff member and a patient tested positive on Sept. 17, and further tests showed 27 of the 73 patients also were positive even though Watsonville Post Acute had followed all of the protocols for nursing homes, Newel said.

“We will never know” how the infection started, Newel added, but she believes it was “most likely” brought in by staff, some of whom work at other nursing homes.

The nursing home has separated patients into three zones, the confirmed cases, those who have been exposed, and those not exposed, she said, with staff assigned to a zone that matches their status.

The staffing has been so depleted that the California National Guard has been commandeered to fill in.

“We’re very grateful,” Newel said.

Watsonville Post Acute will not accept any new patients or discharge any patients until the situation is resolved.

Santa Cruz County will remain in the state’s “Red Tier” until Oct. 6, when cases counts will be re-evaluated.

The tier limits restaurants, places of worship and movie theaters to 25 percent and fitness centers and yoga studios to 10 percent capacity.

Newel said 14 private schools are planning to restart in-person classes, according to a list from the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, which has contracted with the Stanford University lab for surveillance testing of teachers.

“Personally,” Newel said, “I’m happy to see just a few schools opening at this point, so we can kind of get our feet wet and see how we’re going to handle it from a public health perspective with contact tracing and case investigation to see what problems might arise.”

Newel said the testing availability has improved, with tests being offered at CVS along with the Optum site at Ramsay Park in Watsonville which is open through November and county-run clinics.

Testing turnaround also has improved, Newel said, with results in under 48 hours.

Anyone with symptoms is advised to

call their primary care physician first, and Newel encouraged people to get their seasonal flu shot now.

“We don’t want hospitals to be overwhelmed,” she said.

On Sept. 14, Newel ordered all licensed healthcare facilities to implement a mandatory flu vaccine program, requiring health care workers to be vaccinated, or if they decline then wear a mask while working in patient care during flu season Oct. 31 to March 31.

The most COVID-19 cases, 32 percent, are among young people age 20-34, and that worries Mimi Hall, the county’s Health Services Agency director.

“Young people are essential workers.

They haven’t been staying at home,” she said. “Going into the fall, having more indoors activity, all of the holidays happening … We’re all concerned.” n ••• Cases Around The County Aptos............................ 102 Ben Lomond................ 18 Boulder Creek............. 19 Capitola........................ 63 Felton............................ 23 Freedom....................... 124 Santa Cruz................... 430 Scotts Valley................ 54 Soquel........................... 58 Unincorporated.......... 24 Watsonville.................. 1,300 Under investigation... 104 Total.............................. 2,319

“Whether we can increase (students in) housing on campus, we’ll have to wait and see,” she said. “It depends on the level of positivity.”

About 4,000 to 5,000 students are expected to be living off-campus in the community.

Work-study jobs students used to have on campus to help pay for their education are now remote.

“Our IT department, they hired students to be the Zoom IT guru,” Larive said.

Students also are needed as peer mentors and tutors – jobs that will be done remotely.

With the state budget taking a hit from loss of tax revenues due to COVID-19, the UC campuses did likewise — a $21 million cut at UC Santa Cruz, Larive said, noting travel to conferences is out.

The budget gap is larger for units such as housing, parking, dining and the arboretum that depend on volume.

With only 1,000 students on campus instead of 9,000, there’s less need for services and for employees.

“It’s hard when people’s work goes away,” she said.

She has been able to avoid big layoffs so far because the campus got a contract from the county to provide food to evacuees, some sheltered at the Boardwalk’s Coconut Grove – 3,000 meals a day prepared in the Boardwalk kitchen after the fire.

“It helped keep dining workers employed,” Larive said.

Some faculty, staff and students are among the homeless, she said, noting fundraising efforts to help them.

Campus researchers will monitor how

the natural reserves regenerate and study how the hydrology is affected.

Leopold said he is concerned about the potential for debris flow once it starts raining, as happened in Santa Barbara.

“The fire is so hot it destroys the capacity of the soil to intake water,” he said.

As for the 2040 long-range development plan, Larive said the university selected enrollment of 28,000 as the number to plan for, “based on how we’ve grown in the past 20 years — it’s not a target, though.”

She added, “Students will be freshmen in 2040 have not been born yet – enrollment doesn’t mean there will be that many people on campus.”

Leopold noted, “The target in the past was met.”

Larive responded, “Understood.” n

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COMMUNITY NEWS

State to Address Discriminatory Names O n Friday, California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, State Parks Director Armando Quintero and Department of Transportation Director Toks Omishakin announced actions to identify and redress discriminatory names of features attached to the State Parks and transportation systems.

Their agencies also will expand representation and increase transparency around a state committee tasked with recommending changes to geographic names in California.

The moves come in the wake of a national conversation about the names of geographic features, markers and statues affiliated with the Civil War, genocide of Native Americans and other remnants of institutionalized discrimination. They dovetail with measures announced by Gov. Newsom to mark Native American Day after his apology to Native Americans last year.

“The Governor fundamentally changed the way Californians grapple with the difficult beginnings of this State when he formally apologized to California Native Americans last June,” said Governor’s Tribal Advisor and Executive Secretary to the Native American Heritage Commission Christina Snider. “For California Native Americans who have survived generations of depredations against our very existence, these disparaging and dehumanizing names serve as a constant reminder that we were never intended to be part of the California dream. The leadership of the California Natural Resources Agency and the Department of Transportation in furthering these corrective initiatives demonstrates the State’s real commitment to act on the promise of the Governor’s apology, heal relationships and work to make historically dispossessed communities whole.”

Assembly Member James C. Ramos (D-Highland), the first California Native

With a change to the Cabrillo College name being considered, California agencies looking at problematic park and road names could make things easier if “Cabrillo” is put on that list.

American elected to the state Legislature, welcomed the announcements.

“Ensuring that state facilities are respectful and inclusive of California’s history and all its people is a much-welcomed step,” Ramos said. “As a Native American, I look forward to the acknowledgement of our presence and culture as well as the education that will occur during a renaming process.”

Crowfoot said it is past time to revisit historic names that stem from a legacy that includes discrimination, violence and inequity.

“Recent protests over racial inequality have spurred a national conversation about institutional and systemic racism in the United States. That conversation includes a new reckoning over monuments, symbols and names found in our public spaces,” he said.

Crowfoot is directing the Natural

Resources Agency to expand the membership of the California Advisory Committee on Geographic Names by adding members designated by the Native American Heritage Commission, California State Library, California African American Museum and California Department of Transportation, as well as the legislative Selective Committee on Native American Affairs and Black, Latino and Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucuses.

The state Department of Parks and Recreation has begun to inventory racist markers and names of features within the State Parks system. State Parks is developing a process to assess the inventory, solicit input on potential name changes and to consult with Tribes and other groups to update interpretive signage, exhibits and educational materials for student programs.

“This is a generational moment that calls for the California Department of Parks and Recreation to take stock of and critically examine our state’s historical legacy,” Quintero said. “We want every Californian, whether they are first generation or the 500th generation, to feel welcome in parks and see stories shared by all voices.”

Caltrans will review of all named assets in the state transportation system and develop a proposal identifying those to be renamed or rescinded.

“Transportation is meant to bring people together, bridge divides, cross immovable boundaries and connect people from all walks of life,” Omishakin said.

“Caltrans cannot accomplish this mission without addressing the specter of exclusionary, prejudiced place names located throughout the California State Highway system.” n

Koenig Ahead of Leopold in Fundraising For Supervisor

By Jondi Gumz

W

ith six weeks to go before the Nov. 3 election, Manu Koenig, the challenger for First District supervisor, has raised more money than the three-term incumbent, John Leopold.

In year-to-date campaign reports covering up to Sept. 19, Koenig raised $118,719 in contributions. Leopold raised $90,367.

Koenig has spent $79,804, slightly more than Leopold, who spent $74,884.

During the latest reporting period, from July 1 through Sept.

19, Koenig raised $43,256 and spent $47,186 while Leopold raised $46,190 and spent $15,430.

Leopold has more cash on hand,

8 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

$82,771, than Koenig, who has $43,532, for the last weeks of the campaign.

Leopold, a veteran campaigner, began this reporting period with more in the treasury, $52,012, than Koenig, who started with $46,877. n ••• Campaign finance reports can be found via votescount.us.

Manu Koenig

John Leopold

COMMUNITY NEWS

Neighborhood Courts: A Way To Resolve Smaller Crimes T he Neighborhood Courts program is a community driven, pre-filing diversion program designed to divert low-level misdemeanor offenses from entering the criminal justice system. First time offenders are given an opportunity to take responsibility and repair the harm they caused through a community-based process using restorative justice principles instead of a courtroom.

Neighborhood Courts address criminal violations that impact the quality of life in the community and are an alternative to entering into criminal court. The purpose of the program is to: reduce recidivism by understanding why offenders offend, address the harm the offense had on the victim (if applicable) and the community and, using restorative principles rather than punitive principles, effectively and efficiently restore the local community, victim and offender back into community.

How Do Neighborhood Courts Work? ligible cases are diverted by the District Attorney’s Office into the Neighborhood

E

Courts program. While participation is voluntary and confidential, participants must be willing to take responsibility for their actions that caused harm. Victims are invited to participate on a voluntary basis.

A Panel of trained community volunteers meet with the participant and victim (if applicable) in a relaxed, confidential space, in what is called a conference.

During the Conference, volunteer panelists and the participant discuss: • Harms caused to victim (if applicable) and community • Root of why the crime happened • Panelist and participant work together to select directives that are specific, reasonable, attainable, and restorative to the participant, victim, and community.

Once the participant successfully completes the directives, the case will be dismissed.

The participant is given a second chance because the conviction will not be on their record. If needed, the participants may be

referred to additional services offered in the community.

If a case is not resolved in Neighborhood Courts, it will be re-routed back to the District Attorney’s Office.

Community Involvement re you interested in becoming a volunteer panelist? Join our volunteer team.

Neighborhood Courts volunteers are essential to the success of the program. Volunteer panelists are community members that are trained in restorative justice, cultural competency, effective communication, facilitation, and problem-solving skills.

The District Attorney’s Office strives to create a diverse group of volunteer panelists throughout the County of Santa Cruz who are from different diverse socioeconomic, cultural, gender, age, and professional backgrounds.

Requirements to become a volunteer panelist: • Complete the application • Pass a background check

A

• Complete volunteer panelist training • Observe two Neighborhood Court conferences.

Partnerships Thank you to our local Law Enforcement and Judicial Officers throughout Santa Cruz County.

Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County Adult Probation, and other local Community Board Organizations.

Jeff Rosell, Santa Cruz District Attorney, Santa Cruz District Attorney’s Office Neighborhood Courts: 701 Ocean Street, Rm 200 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Phone: 831-454-2400 For more information about the program, or to apply to become a volunteer, visit our website at: https://datinternet.co.santa-cruz. ca.us/Home/neighborhoodcourts.aspx Or contact Elaine Johnson, Neighborhood Courts Program Coordinator, Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office: neighborhoodcourts@santacruzcounty.us • Phone: 831-454-2534 n

Applications Due October 11 for Small Business Grants

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he County of Santa Cruz has announced a second round of grants for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, with $721,000 available to small businesses located in Santa Cruz County, including Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Watsonville, to aid in maintaining their business and workforce.

Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to provide immediate financial support to businesses. This round of grants is available to both essential and non-essential businesses with fewer than 25 employees.

Grants are earmarked for geographic areas, based on the percentage of COVID-19 “Dairies” from page 6 The bureau asserts that this proposal advances the administration’s goals in Secretarial Order 3366, “Increasing Recreation Opportunities on Lands and Waters Managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior” and Secretarial Order 3347, “Conservation Stewardship and Outdoor Recreation.”

Information about the plan, along with the agency preferred alternative and instructions for filing a protest is available at: https://

cases, with 31 for South County, including Watsonville and Freedom, 10 for MidCounty, including Capitola, Soquel and Aptos, and seven for North County, including Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley.

Half the money is set aside for businesses owned by women and business owned by individuals who are socially disadvantaged.

The money is left over from $1 million earmarked for small business aid; in the first round, $278,000 in grants was awarded.

Grant funds may be used to reimburse payroll expenses due to business interruption, lease payments for business

premises, acquisition of inventory needed to re-open or maintain open status, new telework equipment costs, personal protective equipment, facility readiness (social distancing preparedness, business modifications, outdoor dining) and other eligible expenses. n •••

Complete applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 11.

Applications and additional information can be found at: h t t p s : / / w w w. s c c v i t a l i t y. o rg / Business/CARESGrant.aspx(link is external).

go.usa.gov/xEJAw. Formal public protests pertaining to the analysis presented in the proposed plan will be accepted until Oct. 26, from those who previously participated in the planning process and have an interest that may be adversely affected by the proposed plan.

Pending the outcome of the protest period and governor’s consistency review, the BLM will issue a decision record.

Protesters should be aware that their protest, including email and phone number could be made publicly available at any time. n

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 9

ELECTION 2020

Voting in 2020: What You Need to Know

Important Changes Include Your Ballot Arriving By Mail in October

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lection Day is just two months away, and elections officials in Santa Cruz County are busy preparing to conduct an election under extraordinary circumstances.

Gov. Newsom signed two executive orders and new laws have passed to give California elections officials the tools to ensure the security, accuracy, accessibility, transparency, and safety of the fall election — and meet public health guidelines.

“COVID-19 and the CZU fires have changed how we will conduct this Nov. 3 election,” said County Clerk Gail L. Pellerin. “We have launched a Vote Safe Santa Cruz campaign to make sure voters have plenty of options to cast their ballot without risking their health.”

One major change is county elections officials will mail a ballot to all active registered voters in the State of California.

Ballots will be mailed by Oct. 5, and then daily for new registrants or people who

have updated their registration. Mailing a ballot to all voters allows them to vote safely from home and avoid having to go to a public place.

For voters impacted by the CZU fires and evacuated during this election, they do not need to re-register to vote. They simply fill out a change of address form on the County Elections Department’s website at www.votescount.us. The mailing address can be a place or work, the home of a family member or friend, or a post office box.

Voters should sign up to track their ballot at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov. They will get email or text alerts when their ballot is mailed, when it s received by the county elections office, and if there is a problem with counting the ballot.

Voters can also sign up for “informed

delivery” through the U.S. Postal Service.

This free service sends an email each day mail is delivered with an image of the mail piece.

Even though ballots will be mailed to all voters, counties must also provide inperson voting.

Santa Cruz County will not use its traditional polling places. Instead, there will be at least 17 locations where any voter can go to return their ballot, obtain a replacement ballot, vote an accessible ballot using a tablet, vote a Spanish ballot using a tablet, register and vote on the same day, and any other voter service.

Voters who opt to use the ballot mailed to them do not have to return the ballot through the mail. There has been concern about the United States Postal Service’s

ability to manage the amount of election mail California will have. Postal reps have reassured elections officials that ballots will not be delayed. Nevertheless, there are other options to return a voted ballot.

Drop Boxes he county Elections Department will have ballot drop boxes at the following locations, available 24/7 until 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 3: • Aptos — Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive • Aptos — Polo Grounds, 2255 Huntington Drive • Aptos — Cabrillo College by football stadium, 3732 Cabrillo College Drive • Ben Lomond — Highlands Park, 8500 Highway 9 • Boulder Creek — Library, 13390 W. Park Ave.: walk up (may have to be relocated due to the fires)

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“Vote 2020” page 23

Nine Questions for Soquel Creek Water District

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n the Soquel Creek Water District, two challengers aim to unset two long-time board members in the Nov. 3 election.

Aptos Times editor Jondi Gumz posed these questions for voters to get up to speed on the biggest issues; including the water emergency, the PureWaterSoquel Rebecca Gold Ruben project planned to solve that problem, and the cost for customers. Rebecca Gold Rubin, public outreach coordinator at the Soquel Creek Water District, provided the following answer: 1) Have all the projects to be funded by the 2013 certificates of participation been completed? If not, why not? he 2013 funds have been allocated at different times to different projects, some of which have been completed and some of which have not: COMPLETED: O’Neill Ranch treatment plant, Granite Way production well, Granite Way raw water line, McGregor Drive pump station, Aptos pump station, raw water main for hexavalent chromium treatment plant, Aptos Junior High well replacement,

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service area 3 to 4 intertie, and Clubhouse Drive main Replacement.

NOT COMPLETED: Quail Run tank and Soquel Drive main replacement — both in process There is $5.9 million remaining in the 2013 funds, so we didn’t spend all of the money. We are giving the funds back and rolling them into the Series 2020 refunding, which will save money due to lower interest rates.

2) Can Pure Water Soquel be described as a combination of reverse osmosis and ultraviolet light treatment, similar to one used in Orange County? Will this treatment remove pharmaceuticals? es, and yes.

Pure Water Soquel will put the water through a purification process using the most advanced treatment processes available: microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light/advanced oxidation. This is similar to Orange County’s purification process (their water is also used for groundwater recharge).

We have a page on our website with this information: https://www.soquelcreekwater.org/advanced-water-purification/ what-awp-technology For more information, see: https:// www.soquelcreekwater.org/pws and the

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10 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

Orange County Water District website https://www.ocwd.com/gwrs/ These advanced water purification processes are proven systems that successfully remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products from drinking water (as well as viruses). The purification process includes: Microfiltration: The recycled water first goes through microfiltration, an initial filtration process where water is pumped through tubes filled with tiny membranes.

Each membrane is made up of hollow fibers, perforated with holes 1/300th the width of a human hair! Solids, bacteria, protozoa, and some viruses are removed from the water as it is drawn through the tubes.

Reverse Osmosis: The water then goes through reverse osmosis, where it is forced under high pressure through membranes with holes so small that a water molecule is almost the only substance that can pass through.

As a result, constituents such as salts, viruses, and most contaminants of emerging concern (such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and pesticides) cannot pass through the membranes and are left behind. This is the same process that is used by some bottled water companies,

baby food manufacturers, and for kidney dialysis.

Ultraviolet Light: Ultraviolet Light (UV) with advanced oxidation is a further safety process where extremely concentrated light, similar to the sun’s rays, kills any organisms that may remain after reverse osmosis.

UV combined with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an effective disinfection/ advanced oxidation process that keeps trace organic compounds from reaching drinking water supplies.

3) Has the price tag, once estimated at $50 million, nearly doubled?

What’s the cost per customer? he approximate current number of District customers is 40,632. Thus, using $90 million that equates to $2,215 per customer and that doesn’t include the additional reduction due to the $50 million grant or that the cost is spread over many years — like 30 years.

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“Nine Questions” page 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

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Sierra Club Q’s SqCWD Candidates

n June 2014, the Soquel Creek Water District board declared a groundwater emergency after seawater intrusion was detected in three coastal locations, and began a search for solutions.

There are no easy answers for the 40,632 customers in Aptos, La Selva Beach, Soquel, Capitola and Pleasure Point.

Desalination was tabled when the city of Santa Cruz, the proposed partner, withdrew.

Toilet retrofits have saved a lot, but are not expected to save much more in the future.

The proposed solution, dubbed PureWaterSoquel, a combination of reverse osmosis and ultraviolet treatment, similar to one used in Orange County, is expensive.

The price tag has doubled, prompting concerns by two challengers who aim to unseat two longtime incumbents.

The Sierra Club Ventana Chapter Santa Cruz Group asked four questions of the four candidates. Here are their answers, edited for print: What are the top three issues for the water district and what actions would you take?

Bruce Daniels: A sustainable water supply — we’re getting saltwater intrusion just 100 yards off our beach. It hasn’t hit production wells yet, but it will. It’s a real emergency.

We have to get the basin sustainable — we need 1,500 more acre-feet a year. The only thing we found was sustainable was PureWaterSoquel. Water transfer is not sustainable.

Silicon Valley, Monterey, everyone’s going to PureWater — it’s proven over and over again.

Corrie Kates: Water supply-- looking at alternate means, working with other agencies, sharing the costs, alternative locations.

How do you joint venture to make things more sustainable? The cost was $80 million.

Now it’s $180 million with a $50 million grant. It may be a good concept but it’s not sustainable to the ratepayers.

Fixing leaks.

Tom Lahue: A balanced approach so 50 years from now, we still have a usable sustainable groundwater supply. We worked hard to come up with a project with lots of community input, PureWater Soquel, that will protect the groundwater basin. We’ve done our homework.

And make it happen while minimizing the effect on customers. We worked to get funding from state water board and EPA. Water transfers and stormwater management.

Maria Marsilio: Saltwater intrusion.

We’re pumping too much water. We have to reduce pumping.

Fixing leaks, percolation ponds, water transfer.

We need solutions that are sustainable to the organization and ratepayers. Rates have gone up, and they will go up more.

That’s difficult for people.

What are the greatest challenges regarding water issues?

Bruce Daniels: Climate change -evaporation is up 30%. Our plan looks at climate change for the next 20 years.

PureWater is sustainable. All the things with surface water have been shown by the city (of Santa Cruz) they don’t work.

Percolation ponds can’t be utilized when you’re using treated water.

You have to prove sustainability (to state regulators). If it’s not sustainable they will ration the water and charge us for that.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 11

COMMUNITY NEWS

Dining Out(doors) To Survive

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By Jondi Gumz

n Capitola-by-the-Sea, where the weather in September and October is often better than in July and August, restaurateurs have embraced streetside dining as a COVID-19 survival strategy.

From large — Margaritaville, 75 employees — to small — El Toro Bravo, five employees — 14 eateries in Capitola Village have made changes to adapt to the frequently changing health guidelines.

Three more have done the same on busy 41th Avenue.

Outdoor dining will be available as long as the COVID-19 state of emergency continues, according to City Manager Jamie Goldstein.

Capitola has 63 COVID-19 cases, only 3 percent of the county total, but the restrictions to prevent spread of the virus apply countywide.

“It’s going well,” said Kristie Baron, owner of El Toro Bravo, which has the distinction of being the oldest business still operating in Capitola Village, having opened in 1967 with her grandmother Dee Ray in charge.

“A lot of people want to be outside in summer time,” Baron said. “September is some of the best weather. We’ve been fortunate.”

The state guidelines allow indoor dining at 25 percent capacity, which makes it hard to be profitable.

“We have 37 chairs and we can have 12 people in here,” Baron said.

When restaurants were told by health officials they could only offer takeout, Baron and her cousin started “to go”

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

El Toro Bravo’s Isaiah Baron, son of owner Kristie Baron, looks out of the front entrance. service, and it was just the two of them, keeping the business afloat with the employees sidelined.

“No way we could do it financially with rest of the staff,” Baron said.

When she was able to rehire, some came back but others had found other jobs.

Asked what will happen when the rainy winter season arrives, Baron said, “We don’t know yet. We’re taking it a day at a time.”

Margaritaville, at the top of the Esplanade, took a hit when indoor dining was banned, manager Kat Cannon said, but with indoor service at 25 percent capacity

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

Taste of Soquel advertises their online music fundraisers for Second Harvest Food Bank on a sign outside The Ugly Mug in Soquel.

12 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

and the city allowing streetside dining, she’s seen a good number of people come in.

“We’ve been very fortunate,” she said.

“We’re going to survive through it.”

Many of the patrons are locals, she said, with the village easier to get to.

In the outdoor spaces, tables are eight to 10 feet apart, and heaters go on at night.

At the outset of the pandemic in March, when the situation was unclear, employee hours were cut.

“Many of the staff were uncomfortable with serving, which is completely understandable,” Cannon said.

Since then, “a lot of our staff have returned,” she said. “We were able to able offer all of our staff their hours…the staff feels so comfortable working here, it makes the guests feel comfortable.”

Carin Hanna, membership secretary of the Capitola Village and Wharf Business Improvement Area and owner of the Craft Gallery in the village, said, “Business seems to be at about 75% of usual.”

She added, “We are all a bit worried about the holiday season. But it will be what it will be. The City Council agreed to let us keep the lights up on the palm trees through the holidays. We are very happy about that. We plan to have holiday trees in the village as usual.”

The organizers of Taste of Soquel changed the street festival to a virtual format, which took place Sept. 26-27 intending to raise $6,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank.

“Dining Outside” page 14

Comparison of Average Monthly Water Bill (Service Charge + 6 units) of Local Water Agencies, 7/2020

“Nine Questions” from page 10 The 2017 feasibility study estimated project options could cost $65 million to $92.5 million in 2017 dollars, but in 2018 the project definition was narrowed, and the cost was escalated to be more reflective of when the project was to be built: $90 million in 2022 dollars.

This is a Class 4 engineering estimate based on up to 15% design. We are currently progressing on the design, which will update cost estimates; while performing this step in the project, it’s prudent for the District to plan for an upper range and also to account for contingencies – in light of seeing other projects experience in cost increases.

These costs encompass four areas of construction: A tertiary treatment facility, conveyance pipelines, an advanced water purification facility, and seawater intrusion prevention wells and monitoring wells.

The District board will be periodically briefed on the various construction impacts and costs as the project is implemented.

While cost is one metric, value is another. The link below is from a UC Santa Cruz study, which concluded the project provides a benefit-cost ratio of 8.6.

This means for every dollar invested, the economic value is $8.60. The report also states that if the project is not realized, then people will need to use less water and pay 3 times more. https://www.soquelcreekwater.org/ documents/reports/technical-memorandumestimating-benefits-pure-water-soquel-project 4) What are the amounts of the state or federal grants and the low-cost loan?

What’s the interest rate? he District secured state and federal assistance with the project costs and reduced the financial burden of our District customers. In 2019, the District was awarded a $50 million grant from the state’s Proposition 1 Groundwater Implementation Grant Program.

The District will combine this generous grant with a combination of low-interest loans. The State Water Board also approved a very-low-interest (1.3%) loan through its Seawater Intrusion Control Loan Program

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for up to $36 million (originally was $12.5 million, but has been increased).

The US Environmental Protection Agency selected the District for a lowinterest loan (anticipated to be less than 2%) for an amount up to $89 million, which includes money for contingencies. The low-interest loans will represent millions in interest savings compared to original projections.

5) Can the Pure Water Soquel project be a joint venture with the city of Santa Cruz or another water district to spread the cost among more customers? e are very fortunate the state selected the project for a $50 million grant — which helps reduce the cost to our customers!

If other agencies are interested in partnering in the future, the District would be interested in exploring this concept.

6) What was the pumping level in acre feet in June 2014 when the water emergency was declared? What is it now? he Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin provides water to the District, as well as the City of Santa Cruz, Central Water, other small mutual agencies, and over 1,000 private well owners.

In 2014 the state declared the groundwater basin to be in a critical state of overdraft (one of 21 basins out of 500 in California to have that designation). It is also designated as “high priority” since some of the agencies rely on the groundwater basin for 100% of its supply.

In 2014, the District alone pumped approximately 3,477 acre feet of water.

Pumping levels dropped lower in 2015 (3,098 acre feet) and have been slowly increasing and are currently closer to 2014 levels.

This indicates customers complied fairly well with the District’s stage 3 water shortage declaration to reduce consumption 25%. The upward trend in water use appears to indicate potentially that customers may not be observing curtailment and conservation measures at the same level or that other factors that may be driving consumption up.

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Even with curtailment, the groundwater has not reached the protective levels to prevent further seawater contamination. Thus, there is the annual threat of drought adding to the uncertainty of the groundwater levels as well as future climate change projections.

7) What has created the most savings (in acre feet)?

Conservation incentives, fixing leaky old pipes or something else? t is likely that retrofitting to high-efficiency toilets have saved the most water.

We estimate that over 90% of our customers already have new toilets.

Our rebates for water-saving fixtures (toilets and turf removal) in 2019 saved about 3 acre-feet (one million gallons).

The cumulative water savings over the years is not sufficient to ensure sustainability of our groundwater basin.

8) Do you have a comparison of Soquel Creek Water rates with rates elsewhere in the county? es. See the graph below, which also is posted at https://www.soquelcreekwater.org/current-rates-and-fees Footnote: Sources of data for the chart are based on rates and fees published by the various entities shown.

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9) Would a moratorium on new development be considered as an option? he District is responsible for providing water to the community. The District doesn’t have control over development or development moratoriums — that would be up to governing land-use jurisdictions.

The District does have some control over new water hookups and initiated in 2003 an award-winning “Water Neutral (aka demand offset) Program,” which requires all new developments offset water use in an amount equal to 120% to 200% of the projected water use of that development.

However, because the basin is in a critically overdraft condition based on existing water use and development, a water connection moratorium would not address the current basin overdraft. n ••• More information about the PureWater Soquel project is at https://www.soquel creekwater.org/pws.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 13

14 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Dining Outside” from page 12 The Event offered online concerts by local musicians Carolyn Sills & Gerard Egan and the Coffis Brothers and food and beverages al fresco or takeout from restaurants, wineries and breweries. Soquel Congregational Church, 4951 Soquel Drive, Soquel, continues to accept donations at tasteofsoquel.org.

A Cookie Walk is planned Dec. 5-6 in the village, a fundraiser for Angel Tree Santa Cruz, she said.

Goldstein, the city manager, said the Monte Fireworks, typically in October, and the Plein Air art event, typically in November, have been cancelled for this year.

The city, which depends on revenues from hotel room tax and sales tax paid by visiting tourists, made severe budget cuts, but Goldstein said, “Hotel tax has done better than we thought it would, and other revenue sources remain generally on track.”

The Cinelux movie theater on 41st Avenue was allowed to reopen three weeks ago, and only recently was the Capitola Mall allowed by state guidelines to reopen its interior spaces.

Goldstein said the owner of the Capitola Mall, Merlone Geier Partners, is continuing to work on “a future open air, mixed-use development application” for the mall site at 1855 41st Ave. This is a project begun after Merlone Geier bought the mall in 2016.

After the Planning Commission and City Council provided feedback during

El Toro Bravo’s outdoor tables.

a conceptual review in November 2019, the owners began working with adjacent property owners and revising the design.

Now they are analyzing the impacts of the pandemic on some of the proposed uses in the original concept, Goldstein said. n ••• Restaurants with outdoor dining in Capitola Village are: Tacos Moreno, 201 Esplanade Zelda’s, 203 Esplanade Pizza My Heart, 209 Esplanade The Sand Bar Capitola, 211 Esplanade Margaritaville, 231 Esplanade Mr Toots Coffeehouse, 231 Esplanade Sotola, 231 Esplanade #101 Britannia Arms, 110 Monterey Ave. El Toro Bravo, 123 Monterey Ave. Caruso’s Tuscan Cuisine, 115 San Jose Ave. Left Coast Sausage Worx, 115 San Jose Ave. Capitola Wine Bar & Merchants, 115 San Jose Ave. English Ales, 111 Capitola Ave. Wharf House, 1400 Wharf Road Other businesses with outdoor permits East End Gastropub,1501 41st Ave. IHOP, 1549 41st Ave. Pizza My Heart, 2180 41st Ave. Red Carpet Salon,1200 41st Ave. Suite D Kepare Salon, 2001 40th Ave. Suite 102 Emerald Iguana Salon, 2121 41st Ave. Capitola Village Massage, 331 Capitola Ave. Shear Perfection, 716 Capitola Ave.

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

COMMUNITY NEWS

FireSafe Tips From Someone Who Knows

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By Jondi Gumz

izAnne Jensen lives in Bonny Doon, and her home did not burn down in the CZU Lightning Complex fire in August when so many others did.

So Manu Koenig, who is running for First District county supervisor, hosted a Sept. 9 Zoom meeting where Jensen, who has lived through three evacuations and is vice president of the FireSafe Council of Santa Cruz County, shared strategies for homeowners.

Fire protection is not a short-term project.

“We’ve been working on our house 12 years,” said Jensen, also the owner of West Coast Weather Vanes.

“The 2008 Martin Fire got within a quarter-mile of my home,” Jensen said. “I ran from room to room, I didn’t know what to do.”

That led her to the Firesafe Council.

She’s written an evacuation guide, which is on the Firesafe Council website.

There are three ways a house can burn: Embers, which is most common, then contact with the flame, and radiant heat.

“Fire generates so much heat, nearby homes catch fire,” Jensen said.

The most critical area is the “zero zone,” up to 5 feet outside the house, where you should not have flammable objects such as a stack of firewood, brooms or newspapers for recycling.

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Start With The Roof he No. 1 priority is the roof, Jensen said, because flaming embers can land on dormers, skylights and gutters – where leaves should not be left.

The second priority should be vents, which should be screened so embers don’t get through. The gable to the vent must be screened at one-eighth inch.

A roof rated Class A, concrete or clay tiles, fiberglass asphalt composition shingles or metal, will be the most fire-resistant — but duff, dead plant material such as leaves, bark, needles and twigs, can catch on fire if it’s not cleaned up.

Leaves can burn in a metal gutter, Jensen said, and plastic gutters burn and fall to the ground, setting leaves on fire.

Wood fences attached to the house are “like kindling,” she said, suggesting a metal gate as a replacement.

And firewood should not be stacked under the wood deck.

For details on vents, Jensen advises reading California chapter 7A of the Building Code.

If there’s a red flag warning, she sweeps her roof where pine needles may be accumulating, and sweeps out leaves under the deck.

She replaced her plastic dome skylight with double-pane glass.

She’s a fan of the “metal drip edge, “ which fits under the roof to keep fire out.

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“FireSafe” page 23

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Banff Film Tour Features Local Skier B anff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, which airs online Sept. 16 through Oct.17, will offer three different programs, with one film, “Charge,” featuring Aptos High School graduate Cody Townsend, a top free skier who now lives in Tahoe.

“Charge” is in the Blue Program along with: Bayandalai — Lord of the Taiga The Imaginary Line Deer 139 (Tour Edit) Billder Hunza: Ski and Culture in Pakistan (Tour Edit) Circle of the Sun Reel Rock 13: Up to Speed

The Green Program includes: The Flip The Ladakh Project Safe Haven Into the Canyon (Tour Edit) Siblings Lhotse Life of Pie Gone Tomorrow: Kentucky Ice Climbing ••• Visit https://www.banffcentre.ca/2019-20world-tour-films for film descriptions.

To rent any of the programs visit https:// filmfest.banffcentre.ca/?campaign=WT-163945

The Red Program includes: Good Morning The Motivator Thabang Camel Finds Water Spectre Expedition — Mission Antarctica A Nordic Skater The Long River Home The Running Pastor Myrtle Simpson: A Life on Ice (Tour Edit) Hors Piste

16 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Charge” is a 2019 film featuring Santa Cruz native Cody Townsend.

“The Imaginary Line” is included in the Blue Program.

“Into the Canyon” with Pete McBride is one of the top performing films on the tour.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Capitola City Council Candidates Forum

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Empowering Students to Shape Their Futures with Confidence

Oct. 7 on Zoom

he Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce will host a forum for Capitola City Council candidates 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 via Zoom.

Candidates will discuss their priorities and answer questions from Capitola residents.

To view the forum with a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8895317 7749?pwd=V29la1lUbDVkV1NWZnh3YU tweWF5Zz09 Passcode: 008580 Or join by phone: US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 408 638 0968 Webinar ID: 889 5317 7749 You also can watch on Facebook Live at the Capitola Art and Cultural Commission page (no Facebook account needed), or on Channel 8 on Charter Television in Capitola.

••• The forum will be available on Facebook to watch after the live event.

To submit a question, email carrie@ capitolachamber.com n

Sexual Assault Exams Now Available Locally

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425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 kirby.org

exual Assault Forensic Examiner examinations have officially returned to Santa Cruz County. These examinations are a vital part of Santa Cruz County’s Sexual Assault Response Team’s process to obtain evidence to investigate sexual assault cases and protect the public.

Exams are provided at no cost to the survivor.

While SAFE exams have been available since 1985, for the past two-anda-half years they took place at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in Santa Clara due to a shortage of nurses trained to provide the examinations in Santa Cruz County.

Since the exams moved to Santa Clara, the Sheriff’s Office has been working with the Health Services Agency, Dominican Hospital, Monarch Services (Santa Cruz County’s rape crisis center) and Valley Medical Center to return exams to the county.

Survivors of sexual assault now have a safe, confidential and local site to obtain this exam without traveling to Santa Clara County.

The SAFE satellite location in Santa

Cruz County will have trained medical professionals on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Exams will be performed by nurses who work at the Valley Medical Center SAFE Program and live in Santa Cruz.

Survivors of sexual assault seeking SAFE examinations may choose between two types of examinations: an investigative or non-investigative exam. If a survivor chooses an investigative examination, law enforcement will conduct a criminal investigation and will be provided with evidence collected during the exam.

In a non-investigative exam, evidence is collected, but law enforcement will not start a criminal investigation until the survivor requests it. The evidence obtained during a non-investigative exam is confidential and will be preserved and stored indefinitely.

Every survivor seeking a SAFE exam is entitled to a Monarch Services advocate.

If you or someone you know requires a SAFE exam, call 911 or Monarch Services’ 24-hour confidential, bilingual crisis line at 1-(888)-900-4232. n

Continuity of education is a top priority for Kirby. Ask us about our increased commitment to Tuition Assistance. Contact our Admissions Office to help you through the application process (831) 423-0658 x 202 or email admissions@kirby.org.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 17

18 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Pictures from the Past: Soquel School, 1890s

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By Carolyn Swift

lthough it might not have been divided into individual classrooms for each grade, the Soquel School was definitely in session when this photograph was taken in the 1890s.

Class times were arranged then around the production of crops, when

students would be needed periodically to provide labor.

Breaks also occurred at special times such as the start of the fishing season, because so many children played hooky that having class was a pointless exercise. n

COMMUNITY NEWS

Jobs in Santa Cruz County: July 2020

Industry Leisure & hospitality Government

Change from July 2020 Last Year 12,000 Down 4,000 17,000 Down 3,300

Photo Credit: Jondi Gumz

New construction is going up on Burlingame Avenue in Capitola. Every industry in Santa Cruz County lost jobs in July except construction.

Private education & health 14,800 Down 2,900 Trade & transportation 15,000 Down 1,500 Business & professional services 10,200 Down 1,000 Manufacturing 6,300 Down 1,000 Other services 4,300 Down 900 Financial 3,400 Down 100 Information 500 Down 100 Logging & construction 4,700 Up 100 Nonfarm 93,700 Down 14,700 Farm 5,000 Down 7,000 Total 93,700 Down 21,700 ••• Unemployment: 14.4% Change from a year ago Labor force 1,320,000 Down 10% Employed* 115,300 Down 16.4% Unemployed 14,600 Up 136% *Includes out-of-county commuters Source: California Employment Development Department

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 19

BUSINESS PROFILE

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Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden

By Edita McQuary

Watsonville Business Celebrating 30 Years

ardening is cheaper than therapy, and you get tomatoes, according to the popular author, Anonymous.

“People are spending more time at home and focusing on their yards and gardens to a greater degree,” said Jeff Rosendale, co-owner of Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden in Watsonville. “Edibles are more popular than ever with beneficial bird, bee, and habitat plants.”

Forty years ago Jeff and Lisa Rosendale, horticultural degree graduates from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, were experienced gardeners working and managing nurseries for others and themselves.

“We met in college and have been working together ever since,” Jeff said.

“Our two adult daughters, Erika and Alexa, work with us too.”

Lisa knew the East Lake Avenue property that became home to Sierra Azul because the prior owner was a nursery customer of her plant propagation business.

The rest is history.

Plans to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the family business this year with many workshops and events are being postponed until next year due to the pandemic.

Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden is known for their diverse and unusual plants for our local Mediterranean climate. They offer drought-resistant plants, design and consultation services, a beautiful sculpture garden, and a gift shop.

The amazing and unusual sculpture

One of the striking sculptures which fit into the environment at Sierra Azul.

The Rosendales, owners of Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden (from left): Erika, Lisa, Jeff, Alexa and boyfriend Steve. garden began as a joint venture with the Pajaro Valley Arts Council 14 years ago.

“We were ready for art in our big maturing garden so the timing was perfect,” Jeff recalled.

This year’s outdoor sculpture exhibit happened in July during COVID-19 restrictions on indoor businesses and events, giving people something safe and enjoyable to do.

“They like it as much or more than ever,” Jeff said.

An active partner in the community, they have sponsored many local organizations such as Mount Madonna School, Pajaro Valley Arts, UC Santa Cruz Arboretum, to name a few.

As you walk around the spectacular gardens, you are likely to be greeted by Dija, the family dog. She is a happy, cute 8-year old mini pinscher-Chihuahua-mix who adopted the family seven years ago.

Sierra Azul’s parking lot sale is ongoing and re-stocked weekly. Other special sales happen inside the garden on a regular basis and are posted on their website and newsletter.

The Rosendale family is pleased to

20 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

invite the public to visit their nursery observing the current Santa Cruz County health regulations, that is, wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing.

Said Jeff: “Our motto is: ‘Plants for life.’” n

Sierra Azul Nursery offers a variety of colorful plants.

••• Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 2660 East Lake Ave., Watsonville. 831-728-2532. www.Sierra Azul.com.

Photos courtesy of Sierra Azul

CALIFORNIA NEWS

AG: $60M Surgical Mesh Case Settlement O n Sept. 23, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced a multistate settlement against medical technology company, C.R. Bard, Inc., and its parent company, Becton, Dickinson and Co. The settlement requires Bard to pay $60 million to 48 states and the District of Columbia to resolve allegations that it deceptively marketed transvaginal surgical mesh devices to patients.

California’s share of the settlement is $5.02 million.

“Women should be able to trust that the health products they use are safe,” Becerra said. “Misleading patients and neglecting to disclose risks or side effects of medical products is dangerous, irresponsible, even deadly. Bard was caught engaging in these shameful practices, and for that, they now pay.”

Surgical mesh is a synthetic woven fabric that is implanted in the pelvic floor through the vagina to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

These are common conditions faced by women due to a weakening in their pelvic floor muscles caused by childbirth, age or other factors.

Becerra alleges that thousands of women implanted with surgical mesh have suffered serious complications resulting from these devices. Although use of surgical mesh involves the risk of serious complications and is not proven to be any more effective than traditional tissue repair, millions of women were implanted with the device.

Becerra also alleges Bard misled women about serious and life-altering

Broken Mesh

risks of surgical mesh devices, such as chronic pain, scarring and shrinking of body tissue, painful sexual relations, and recurring infections.

Bard stopped selling and promoting its surgical mesh products in the United States by Dec. 31, 2016. Under the terms of the settlement, Bard and its parent company Becton, Dickinson and Co., will be subject to the following terms if they reenter the domestic surgical mesh market: • Must disclose certain complications in any training in which Bard provides risk information; and • Must ensure its practices regarding the reporting of patient complaints of adverse events are consistent with FDA requirements.

• Must include descriptions of complications in terms reasonably understandable to a patient in marketing materials intended to reach patients; • Must include a list of certain complications in all marketing materials that address the subject of complications; and

is waiting for you

“Mesh” page 27

We’ve RE-OPENED!

You missed us and we really missed you! Join us for the food, the view, and just being out with friends.

Lunch and Dinner are available for curbside pickup. Feel free to enjoy your meal on our deck overlooking the Monterey Bay or down on Seascape Beach. Our To Go menu includes selected cocktails from the bar. OPEN WED – SUN 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 5:00 - 9:00 PM

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 21

COMMUNITY NEWS

GoFundMe: Rebuild the Empire Grade Tower Site

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By Matthew Kaufman

n the night of Aug. 19, the CZU Lightning Complex fires overran the tower site that my wife and I own and operate on Empire Grade.

This tower was host to the Alertwildfire. org tower camera, a second fire detection camera accessible to Cal Fire and the Bonny Doon Fire Team, three ham radio repeaters (WB6ECE, W6DXW, and W6WLS), an ADS-B plane tracking receiver, an AIS ship tracking receiver, six of the scanrad. io (formerly firescan.net) receivers, and a wireless ISP (Ridge Wireless).

The tower was originally built in 1971, and withstood numerous storms, at least one lightning strike, and the Loma Prieta earthquake, but the guy anchors were melted in the fire and it had to be dropped to the ground a few days after the fire for safety.

Due to its age, it wasn’t feasible to insure the tower itself or the building at the base housing the equipment, which is now a cinder-block shell with no roof ... all the electrical wiring and racks and radio equipment and standby generator have burned.

“Sierra Club Questions” from page 11 Corrie Kates: Surface water and getting clean water.

Work with other cities. PureWater can work, and joint venture the project (to lower the cost for ratepayers). The district found a way to finance the project but it’s but not sustainable for ratepayers.

Tom Lahue: It’s pretty clear seawater intrusion is the most important issue. It’s a critically overdrafted basin.

We have been working with our neighbors, city of Santa Cruz and Central Water District, before the groundwater management act came into being.

We cannot count on surface water.

It’s not like I want to do a big project, but after years of study that’s what we came up with.

I think it takes a long time to really understand these issues.

We don’t want it to be any more expensive than it needs to be.

Maria Marsilio: The water supply.

Climate change is definitely an issue.

Pharmaceuticals in drinking water – they’re not measured and it’s not known what these things will do to our environment and our children.

Population growth.

With new construction, we could

Each of the organizations with equipment on the tower and in the shelter at the base will be raising funds to replace that equipment ... but none of that matters unless I can rebuild the tower and shelter for them to use.

Our estimate is that the replacement tower will be on the order of $20,000 and installation will cost about as much. There

will be cleanup costs, permit fees, cost to rebuild the roof and electrical system in the shelter, and we’ve already spent $5,000 for the emergency work to drop the damaged tower safely.

I will provide regular updates on the cleanup process, planning/permitting, and construction — assuming we raise enough funds to get that far.

For financial transparency: The radio tower property address is 125 Patrick Road in Bonny Doon [APN 080-041-03] and is owned by Matthew Kaufman (myself) and J. Rebecca Jacobs (my wife).

Our home and outbuildings were burned to the ground just a few miles away, and then a few hours later the tower site burned over in the same fire.

All funds raised in this fundraiser will be used exclusively to rebuild the radio tower, shelter and shared site infrastructure (generator, racks, shared antennas) and not for any of our other losses. The funds will not be used to replace any of my hobby equipment that was at the site, nor will they be used by any of the ham radio groups for their equipment replacement. n ••• On the night of August 19th, the CZU Lightning Complex fires overran the tower … Matthew Kaufman needs your support for Rebuild the Empire Grade Tower Site The goal is $50,000. So far, 176 people have contributed. See: https://www.gofundme. com/f/rebuild-the-empire-grade-tower-site

have permeable pavement and require ondemand water heaters.

Community concern is escalating over the cost of PureWaterSoquel.

Do you support it? Explain.

Bruce Daniels: The cost is north of $100 million. I agree that’s not cheap, but it’s more expensive to not have any water at all.

As soon as saltwater reaches the beach, that saltwater will be in that monitoring well.

Tom and I both went to Washington D.C. twice looking for money. We got a $50 million grant from state and a low-cost loan from the feds.

If we don’t fix this, there will not be any water.

Corrie Kates: It was estimated at $50 million, now it’s $89 million. The loan, it’s not enough. Costs have nearly doubled, let’s put it on hold and revisit the joint venture component.

Yes, Orange County does it successfully -- their cost is spread amongst more ratepayers.

Look at the budget, look at land purchases. Are they necessary when we need funds to fund this project? Budget within your means.

Tom Lahue: What are the alternatives? In the UC Santa Cruz analysis, if you spent $100 million, it would be worth

9 times that in jobs and a moratorium on business.

When rates are analyzed, you still have many fixed costs. People use less water and pay more for it.

It’s not economically sound to not have a project.

PureWaterSoquel would include reverse osmosis, removing pharmaceuticals.

We’ve been working on leaks. In the fall, people will know when leaks occur, by using a phone app.

Maria Marsilio: Quite a few ratepayers are very upset rates have gone up. They can’t handle much more. Some on fixed incomes are even talking about moving out.

PureWaterSoquel might have value for irrigation.

We have to look at what can we afford.

Why not a small project that would be less expensive?

What other water supply projects would you support and why?

Bruce Daniels: The city of Santa Cruz studied water supply alternatives and came up with desalination (a $125 million project was tabled in 2013 after voters insisted on a ballot vote), water transfer, and PureWater.

They’re looking at advanced-treated recycled water, it’s possible they could use our system.

Half a billion gallons, that’s required to get the basin back into sustainability.

It’s drought-proof, it’s climate-proof.

It’s the best thing we have found. We have looked at everything.

Rainwater, 67 percent evaporates. If there’s no rain, percolation ponds don’t do much. You can’t use recycled water in percolation ponds — that could pollute the groundwater.

Corrie Kates: Recycled water programs, working with other cities and agencies from Santa Cruz to Scotts Valley.

Percolation ponds, there’s land on Granite Creek.

The county has turned off water at parks because they can’t afford to irrigate.

Tom Lahue: In my experience, it is not just one thing, it’s all of the above.

Water transfer, we’ve done the testing to see if it’s safe.

Conservation, we’re doing that, everyone agrees that alone won’t do it.

Stormwater recharge, we’ve identified one site, and we’re working with county, it’s a small quantity of water.

We have to use all of these solutions.

Maria Marsilio: We don’t get as much rain as other places, but Bermuda relies on rainwater, and they get it off roofs. We should use some of that.

Fixing leaks in the infrastructure.

Requiring on-demand water heaters for new construction and remodels Recharging the aquifer, there’s a site on Brommer Street. n

22 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“FireSafe” from page 15 If you’ve admired the old Sunset magazine photos, you probably have shrubbery next to your house, where embers can start a fire in your landscaping.

“Put the bushes 5 feet from the house,” Jensen said, suggesting a stone walkway to separate the home from the landscaping. “Install a metal drip edge at the base of the exterior wall. It’s a pretty cheap solution.”

This is a 5 to 10 year plan, she said.

The good news is the strategy of screening is relatively inexpensive.

“Do what you can, what you can afford,” Jensen said.

Thin Vegetation In the area 5 to 50 feet from your home, thin vegetation and limb up trees 15 to 20 feet high.

When the Amah Mutsun tribe lived on this land before European explorers arrived, there were 10 trees per acre, Jensen said, adding, “Now it’s 80 trees per acre. It makes trees weaker more susceptible to diseases.”

She cited the 2017 fire that destroyed the Coffey Park subdivision in Santa Rosa.

“Neighborhoods need to get together,” she said.

She lives on a private road with 39 homes where the owners got together and cleared vegetation 10 feet from the road.

“The fire burned right up to the road,” she said. “The road actually stopped the fire.”

Plan work party days and have potluck afterward, she advised, or chip in and hire somebody.

If your neighborhood is cer-

“Vote 2020” from page 10 • Capitola — City Hall, 420 Capitola Ave. • Capitola — Shopping Mall (near Sears), 1855 41st Ave. • Felton — Covered Bridge Park, Graham Hill Road • Santa Cruz — County Government Center, 701 Ocean St. • Santa Cruz — Public Library, 212 Church St. • Santa Cruz – UC Santa Cruz Quarry Plaza: Walk up • Scotts Valley — City Hall, 1 Civic Center Drive • Watsonville — Parking lot 14, 316 Rodriguez St. • Watsonville — County Health Center, 1430 Freedom Blvd.

• Watsonville — Corralitos Community Center, 35 Browns Valley Road Business Hours oters may also return their ballot inside these locations during regular business hours: • County Elections: 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz City Clerk: 809 Center St., Santa Cruz • Simpkins Swim Center: 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz • Capitola City Clerk: 420 Capitola Ave., Capitola • Scotts Valley City Clerk: 1 Civic Center Drive, Scotts Valley • Watsonville City Clerk: 275 Main St., Watsonville Voting Locations he Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Office, 701 Ocean St., Room 310, and the Watsonville City Clerk’s Office/Community Room, 275 Main St., 4th floor, will open beginning Oct. 5 for voters who want

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tified as FireWise, it can help when firefighters from out of the area see that it’s easier to defend, Jensen said.

The Evacuation Guide has a page that can be printed out and taped to the front of the home alerting firefighters as to the number of occupants, where the gas shut-off is, and how to reach the homeowners told to leave the premises.

A book by Linda Masterson “Surviving Wildfire,” is another good resource.

“My parents’ home in Corralitos was almost destroyed in the Summit fire,” Koenig said. “We’ll start our work list.” n The FireSafe Council at firesafesantacruz.org has information on defensible space, fire-resistant landscaping, and the county’s chipping program.

to obtain a ballot in person or vote a ballot using the tablet.

There will be 17 locations open starting Saturday, Oct. 31 through Tuesday, Nov. 3 for voters to: • Obtain a replacement ballot • Drop off their voted ballot • Register and vote on the same day • Vote an accessible ballot on the tablet • Vote a Spanish ballot on the tablet • And any other voter service Hours will be: Saturday, Oct. 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov.1: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 2: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 3: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Due to the fires in Santa Cruz County, some sites may have to be relocated.

Check www.votescount.us for the latest information.

• Aptos — Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd. • Boulder Creek — Boulder Creek Recreation Hall, 13333 Middleton Ave. • Capitola — New Brighton Middle School, 250 Washburn Ave. • Felton — San Lorenzo Valley High School, 7105 Highway 9 • Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz County Clerk/ Elections, 701 Ocean St., Room 310 • Santa Cruz — Simpkins Swim Center, 979 17th Ave. • Santa Cruz — Bonny Doon Elementary School, 1492 Pine Flat Road • Santa Cruz — Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St. • Santa Cruz — Masonic Center, 828 N. Branciforte Ave. • Santa Cruz — Natural Bridges School, 255 Swift St. • Scotts Valley — Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road • Scotts Valley — Scotts Valley High School, 555 Glenwood Drive

• Soquel — Soquel High School, 401 Old San Jose Rd. • Watsonville — Watsonville City Clerk’s Office/Community Room, 275 Main St., 4th Floor • Watsonville — Pajaro Valley Community Trust, 85 Nielson St. • Watsonville — La Selva Beach Clubhouse, 314 Estrella Ave. • Watsonville — Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, 2601 East Lake Ave. • Watsonville — Calabasas Elementary School, 202 Calabasas Road • Santa Cruz — UCSC, Merrill Cultural Center, open ONLY Monday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

VoteMobile Coming he Santa Cruz County Elections office is getting a VoteMobile that can travel anywhere in the county to conduct pop-up voting and ballot return. Locations, dates and times will be posted at www.votescount.us by Oct. 12.

Using the Mail allot return envelopes are mailed with each ballot and the envelope is postagepaid. Ballots postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 20 will be considered received on time.

Follow these steps to vote your ballot and prepare it for return.

1. Use a blue or black ballpoint pen to fill in the oval to the left of your choice.

You do not have to vote on every contest.

2. Remove the top stub from your ballot by tearing at the perforated line.

3. Place the voted ballot in the return envelope mailed with your ballot.

Make sure it is your name printed on the ballot envelope. Households often mix up ballot envelopes.

4. Write the address where you live in

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Santa Cruz County on the envelope in the space provided.

5. Sign your name on the envelope. If you do not sign your envelope, your ballot will not be counted. If you cannot sign your name, make a mark and have a witness sign on the line provided. Do not let someone else sign your name for you. Elections staff will compare the signature on the envelope to the signatures on file for you to ensure it is your ballot. If your signature does not compare, you will be contacted so you can correct your signature.

6. Write the date you signed the envelope.

7. Provide a phone number or email so you can be contacted in case of a problem.

Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail oters who do not get mail delivery or cannot vote using a paper ballot, can sign up for a Remote Accessible Vote-byMail ballot (RAVBM).

This form of voting had been limited to military and overseas voters and voters with disabilities, but due to COVID-19, any voter may request a RAVBM. This may be a good way for fire evacuees to vote.

Voters may request a RAVBM ballot online at www.votescount.us or by calling 831-454-2060. Ballots will be emailed after Oct. 5.

To vote using a RAVBM, a voter needs to have access to a computer, printer and envelope to return their ballot. After the voter signs up, the County Elections Department will email them an access code to open their ballot and vote it. n ••• For information, contact the Santa Cruz County Clerk at 831-454-2060, info@votescount.us or visit www.votescount.us.

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 23

COMMUNITY BRIEFS Post-Foster Care Shelter Moving from Seventh Day Church he temporary housing site for Transition Aged Youth, currently at the Seventh Day Adventist site in Soquel, will be moving around the first of the year.

The program has supported two dozen young people who aged out of the foster care system during the COVID crisis. Many were employed or in school. Several have transitioned to permanent housing.

We thank the Seventh Day Adventists for making the space available and for helping out during the COVID crisis by providing shelter for 300 evacuees during the recent fires.

Announced by John Leopold, First District County Supervisor ••• Special Needs Trusts Seminar Oct. 22 nterim Inc. will host a seminar 4-6 p.m.

Oct. 22 on Zoom with legal professionals talking about special needs trusts and other ways to support a child with mental illness.

Presenters will include Christi McDonald, County Counsel / Public

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Guardian’s Office; Steven Mudd, attorney; Liza Horvath, Licensed Professional Fiduciary and columnist; Honorable Vanessa Vallarta, Monterey County Superior Court judge; Carl Miller, a family member who has a Special Needs Trust in place, and Barbara Mitchell, Executive Director of Interim, Inc. Frank Hespe, attorney and past Dean of Monterey College of Law, will moderate.

They will discuss: • Special Needs Trusts, Spendthrift Trusts, LPS Conservatorships, and Probate Conservatorships.

• Planning steps to support a disabled family member • How to keep public benefits with a Special Needs Trust • Trust administration and the role of a fiduciary The seminar is appropriate for attorneys, accountants or professionals who work with people with disabilities.

Attendance is free but registration is required. Call (831) 649-4522, ext. 205 Or visit Interim online at: www. interiminc.org/specialneedstrust.

••• Access2Employment Job Fair Goes Virtual ecause of COVID-19, the Access2Employment Job Fair from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct.

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24 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

22 will be a virtual event this year, and there will be no fee for businesses or participants to register.

So far, participating employers and nonprofits include: Cabrillo College, UC Santa Cruz, Central California Alliance for Health, Lifespan, Westwind Memory Care, Santa Cruz Nutritionals, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership, Allied Security, Community Connection, Michael’s Transportation Service, California Conservation Corps and Your Future is Our Business.

Organizers of the job fair are Patricia Greenway, Phil Rodriguez, Leslie Hess, Bethany Brunetti, Desha Staley-Raatior and Sariah Babcock.

Employers and employees are invited to register now at access2employment.com.

••• WomenCARE’s Strike Out Against Cancer Goes Virtual ll ages are invited to participate in WomenCARE’s 24th annual Strike Out Against Cancer virtual fundraiser.

Two Zoom sessions will take place Oct. 24 or register a virtual team if you are unable to attend but still want to raise funds.

Raffle prizes will be plentiful. There will also be an online auction.

Whether you choose to be part of a

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zoom team, support someone you know, or make a general donation, WomenCARE thanks you for helping them support women who are making the cancer journey.

For information, call 831-457-2273, email bowling@womencaresantacruz.org or online at StrikeOutAgainstCancer.org.

••• Friends Fire Fund To Help Parks, Staff n response to the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and through its position as co-management partners with State Parks, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has established the “Friends Fire Fund.”

The fund will initially provide direct, short-term assistance to State Parks and Friends staff most affected by the fire, followed by investments to be made in long-term recovery work for parks that have been damaged.

This includes Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the Rancho del Oso Unit and Butano State Park.

To give, go to the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks website: https://bit.ly/ friendsfirefund.

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“Briefs” page 26

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Q & A: Taking Your Child to the Doctor During COVID-19

By Dr. Maya Heinert, MD Is being up-to-date with immunizations important for my child right now?

Immunizations remain a vital component of pediatric health care, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immune systems are still developing in children and infants, and vaccinations produce antibodies that allow the immune system to build up the ability to fight a particular disease.

Despite the current need to maintain social distancing, vaccineDr. Maya Heinert preventable diseases such as chickenpox and measles continue to circulate, so vaccines provide the protection children need if exposed.

Also, don’t forget that flu season is right around the corner! A yearly flu shot is recommended for anyone 6 months of age or older.

Flu vaccines are updated each year to protect against ever-changing flu viruses.

Are immunization rates really a problem?

Most parents know that infants need frequent immunizations and make the effort to get babies in to the doctor’s office.

But after the flurry of early childhood, pediatricians see a significant drop in immunization rates, especially after kindergarten when required shots must be documented to start public school. (The CDC offers parentfriendly vaccine schedules for infants to teens, or you can download the CDC’s free app for smartphones.)

The truth is that kids need boosters of many of the shots they had as infants to remain protected. In addition, newer immunizations have been added that many parents didn’t benefit from when they were kids, so they may not know about them. To make the situation worse, across the state, childhood immunization rates plummeted 40% following the stay-at-home order.

This drop in vaccinations has put children at risk for preventable diseases.

This issue is even more serious for children in vulnerable populations.

For example, as of August in Santa Cruz County, just over half of 2-year-olds on Medi-Cal are up-to-date with shots; the stats for 13-year-olds are only slightly better at 56%. While these numbers are higher than the Medicaid national average — 35% for both age groups —

that means nearly one out of every two kids is not protected!

My child is due for shots but…can’t we wait until there’s a vaccine for COVID? Don’t wait! While it appears likely that a COVID vaccine may be available for wide spread use in early 2021, that’s FAR too long to wait for many booster shots and leaves kids unprotected during an already vulnerable time.

Bottom line: Don’t take chances – Check in with your child’s doctor and don’t neglect routine well checkups.

Check in, check up.

Call your pediatrician. Find out when your child is due for immunizations or a well-child check and schedule that appointment. If your child hasn’t had a flu shot this year, now is the time to schedule that too. n •••

Maya Heinert, MD is medical director of the Central California Alliance for Health, a Medi-Cal managed care health plan focused on improving access to health care for 347,000 residents of Merced, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. She has more than 20 years of pediatric care experience in Central California.

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What about the risk of my child (or me) getting COVID from the doctor’s office?

Most doctors have specific hours and locations where they can examine healthy kids for regular checkups and vaccines.

Of course, it’s still important for everyone over 2 years of age to wear a mask and for everyone to sanitize their hands often and social distance from anyone not in their family. And if you or your child are sick, please stay home.

The most important thing to do is check in with your doctor’s office over the phone — they can give you specific details about whether it’s necessary to bring your child into the office for a check-up.

My child is up-to-date with immunizations.

Do we still need a well-check appointment?

Yes, because your child or teen’s wellcheck visit is about so much more than immunizations!

At well check visits, your child’s overall health, growth and development, mental and emotional status, how they are progressing in school — all will be assessed by the doctor.

For school-age children, the doctor can assess if they are progressing in developmental milestones. For teens, the doctor will often ask if they want some time alone to ask questions about their body, sexuality, drugs, vaping or other fears about COVID-19.

Also, with so many normal school and extracurricular activities currently shut down, your child’s pediatrician might be one of the few adults they encounter outside the home who are looking out for their well-being. Right now is a very important time in your child’s life to understand the importance of having a trusted doctor looking out for their welfare.

ACROSS

1. All thumbs 6. *Do this to Shorty 9. Practice in the ring 13. Popular aquarium dweller 14. Fertility clinic stock 15. Dreamy 16. Brightest star in Cygnus 17. Romanian money 18. Athlete’s stage 19. *Ferris Bueller’s time away 21. *He always rings twice 23. G in music 24. Dissenting clique 25. Billy’s Harry to ____’s Sally 28. “Brave New World” drug

30. Lung pouch 35. Crematorium containers 37. X-ray units 39. Humpy ungulate 40. One of oldest cities in China or Welsh girl’s name 41. Torcher’s misdeed 43. “____ a soul” 44. Sudden occurrence of disease 46. Crimson rival 47. Power system 48. “Rock the ____” by The Clash 50. Deal with it 52. Happy Gilmore’s peg 53. Bird’s groomer 55. Tap choice 57. *Dr. Strangelove learned to love it, two words 61. *No country for these guys, two words

64. *One green one in John Wayne flick 65. “Eureka!”

67. Erasable programmable read only memory 69. Woven wall hanging 70. Soldier’s bed 71. “All the world’s a ____” 72. R in RIP 73. It is 74. Boxer turned actor

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1. It would 2. Pauper’s permanent state 3. Europe’s highest volcano 4. Hunts for food 5. No-noes 6. The Masters’ game 7. *It’s all about her 8. Greyish brown

9. Database command 10. Lord Byron’s composition 11. *King of Siam’s governess 12. *Private that had to be saved 15. a.k.a. tears of Chios 20. Fauna’s partner 22. Mozart’s “L’____ del Cairo” 24. Eponymous comic strip character 25. *The hills are alive with the sound of it 26. “Fear of Flying” author Jong 27. Annoying tiny biters 29. *There’s something about her 31. Telephoned 32. Bright 33. Eagle’s nest 34. *Bonnie’s partner

36. Give the cold shoulder 38. Musician’s time to shine 42. Kathmandu country 45. Wooden shoes 49. Skirt’s edge 51. First among siblings 54. Olden day calculators 56. Like worthless promise 57. Tow rope alternative 58. At this point 59. Does something wrong 60. “Don’t ____ around the bush” 61. Mares’ meal 62. “-zoic” periods 63. Not happening 66. *Some like it this way 68. *There were three, plus a baby © Statepoint Media

Answers on 31 »

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 25

Let Choice Be Made

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Esoteric Astrology • October 2020 • By Risa D’Angeles

e are now in the autumn of 2020. And after a most unusual year, we are facing a crucial election that is perhaps the most important in our lives and the life of our country. 2020 is a threshold year, a year of deep labor for humanity preparing for a new life, a new era and Age. We are presently in a pause (Libra), an interim, a time of contemplation in order to make a crucial choice. How do we make choices? We are told in the Wisdom Teachings that when we stand within the Will to Good, we always make Right Choices.

Amidst this interlude and time of choice we are experiencing multiple retrogrades. Both Mars (action) and Mercury (thinking, communication) are retrograde in October, remaining retrograde during the election.

Three-fourths of October is Libra (choice) and one-fourth is Scorpio (decision). Libra informs humanity that a most important choice needs to be made. We return to materialism (forced upon us), or we move into the new era of freedom (Aquarius).

We are challenged and confronted with a choice (the election) that will change not only our country but the entire world.

Mars retrograde in Aries (a slow burning fire) is offering humanity an inward focus in order to realign our desire, aspirations and thinking.

Mars also offers us Nine Tests - testing our identity and our values. We will need to cultivate and call upon a deep inner strength in the weeks to come.

Mercury begins its three weeks of retrograde Oct. 13th in Scorpio.

It will move from Scorpio back to Libra. A reversal of our emotional beliefs perhaps, and relying instead on our intelligence. If we identify as Disciples (Scorpio’s call), we will bring balance and harmony into our lives and to those around us.

Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn are forcing all the hidden darkness out into the light. The result is we are seeing a great battle taking place. It is not a battle between two parties, but between the Forces of Dark (retrogressive, violent, destructive) and the Forces of Light (livingness).

We must be aware the Forces of Darkness clothe themselves in a false light. So, the test for humanity is the ability to discern the two.

And then we are to choose which side we stand upon.

In Libra’s interlude, we are asked to choose between the two Forces and not be blinded. In Scorpio, at the election we will then, as we vote, make our choice known. Let us be aware of the possible storylines.

If the Forces of Dark win the election, our country is destroyed.

If the Forces of Light win the election, then humanity will surge forth into the new era, the new Aquarian Age. Libra says to us, “Let choice be made.” Scorpio says, “Have courage, Patriots. Warriors are we and from the battle we emerge triumphant.”

ARIES Thoughts turn toward relationships; how they serve, tend and care for you, your expectations, how they free or restrict you. You also must consider how you serve others in relationships. Do you?

Perhaps how you were tended and nurtured in your early years is mirrored in relationships. Or maybe you don’t remember. Choose now, with awareness and depth, to make relationships more loving, kind and filled with intentions of goodwill.

LEO A new cycle of identity and creativity now begins.

You are a leader. However, you’re often unaware of your leadership or its responsibilities. Your colleagues and peers look to you for direction in forming community for the coming times. What do you think of the present times? If our reality as we know it changes, what would you do? How would you prepare? Where would you live? What are you presently pursuing and is it useful for survival?

SAGITTARIUS Anything social may be a bit serious. You might wonder how people see you. Sag’s always need freedom of movement, of thought. It’s good to add a few new friends to your circle and to support projects that educate humanity in the truth. Beliefs change when you consider what your goals were previously and what they are now. To maintain equanimity, become a bit more non-conforming.

Show worthwhile friends they are valuable.

TAURUS Assess daily chores differently. What needs eliminated, what needs most tending? You ponder upon a totally different lifestyle that includes community, things sustainable, location, safety zones, source of water (through dowsing) and the best way to meet food source demands for many people. Meet with like-minded others also facing an unknown future.

Research and plan simultaneously. Taurus is the sustainer.

VIRGO It’s most important to realize that values are quickly shifting and changing. And so, it is important to ask what is of value to you? Are you valuable to yourself and to others? We are all very valuable in different ways. What is the state of your money and resources? An economic reorientation is occurring. Are you one of the new world servers who can help create the new materialism? Is your garden growing?

CAPRICORN Are you wondering where your Capricorn leadership skills can emerge? Wait awhile. Soon your community service and gifts to humanity will be recognized and applauded. You will move towards a new symmetry in the months ahead, wearing new fashions and colors. You will nourish and be nourished. Remember, to honor excellence in your family and your friends. Lives change when excellence is supported. You are excellent!

LIBRA A new life structure begins for you this autumn, slowly changing your sense of identity and creative self. Profound new perceptions continue to occur concerning resources and communication with others. As world conditions enter new phases you will be called to a new state of healing. Nurture the art of kindness especially toward family. Honor them, along with the Ten Commandments (the Aries Laws). Turn to art for calmness and pleasure.

AQUARIUS The focus of energy in your life concerns publishing, long journeys, people far away, the news, religion and philosophy. It would be good to meet new people, study histories, biographies, especially geography, teach skills, create a weekly group discussion, discuss the coming times, community and future survival. It’s good to allow challenges, new inventions and new environments into your life. They widen your perspectives and expand your courage.

SCORPIO Mercury (soon to retrograde), as messenger, is influencing and informing you about the new ethics and ways of being needed to cultivate the new world civilization. These are big words. Mercury, your spiritual helper, helps you develop contact with the divine.

Mercury works with the nine tests of Mars, pushing you to have intentions for Goodwill which creates Right Relations leading to compassion and harmony. These words are to define your choices in the world. Remain contemplative.

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PISCES Reality will drift here and there, resources will change, you will hear new ideas concerning new technologies. Nothing from the past remains. Home doesn’t exist, there’s more and more work to do, you seek to stabilize finances tending to financial responsibilities (with help), you are conservative and resourceful, you stand in for a parent, you rediscover abilities and gifts, and finally you find a warm salt-water pool to swim in.

Solitude leads you into the new reality. Hold on. Keep swimming.

GEMINI You need to learn the true narrative concerning climate change so you can inform the rest of humanity. Gemini is the disseminator of information. Like Taurus you are to be concerned about the life of seven future generations and you need the new information in order to re-educate humanity. Everything’s reorienting in our world. You must also. What do you understand about this shift and what could your plans be around the future?

CANCER Your tasks are about family, your garden, property, farming, elders, parenting, home and community. Which are easy and best for you to focus on? It’s important to share with those close to you your knowledge of medicinal herbs, needed now and in the future. How is your living situation? Are you happy and what are you growing in your garden?

Sustainability is on your mind. What are you interested in learning now?

Risa D’Angeles • www.nightlightnews.org • risagoodwill@gmail.com 26 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

“Briefs” from page 24 ••• Disaster Helpline Available 24/7 atural disasters such as wildfires can be overwhelming and can seriously affect emotional health. The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, can provide immediate counseling to anyone who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by natural disasters.

The Helpline is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week and free resource that responds to people who need crisis counseling and support in dealing with the traumatic effects of a natural or humancaused disaster. The Helpline is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“People who have been through a traumatic event can experience anxiety, worry or insomnia,” said Dr. Elinore F. McCance-Katz, MD, PhD, who is the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the head of SAMHSA. “People seeking emotional help in the aftermath of a disaster can call 1-800-9855990 or can text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746 – and can begin the process of recovery.”

The Helpline connects callers to trained and caring professionals from the closest crisis counseling centers in the nationwide network of centers.

The Helpline staff will provide confidential counseling, referrals and other support services.

Info: https://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/.

••• Live Your Dream Award Applications Due Nov. 15 oroptimist International of Capitolaby-the-Sea is accepting applications for its Live Your Dream Awards with a deadline of Nov. 15.

Women who are enrolled in or have been accepted into a BA/BS or technical training program, are the heads of their households and have a demonstrated need are eligible to apply. Applications are at www.best4women.org.

Winners receive cash awards that can be used for any purpose that will enable them to continue their education such as rent, car repairs, books and medical expenses.

“Our Live Your Dream awards are designed to be essential support for Santa Cruz County women while they complete their education,” said Laura Knapp, Capitola Soroptimist president. “With these cash awards, our winners can provide some daily necessities while they are studying and working to take care of their families.”

Soroptimist International of Capitolaby-the-Sea is a global volunteer organization that improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. For information go toI Facebook www.facebook.com/sicapitola or email at info@best4women.org. n

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FEATURED COLUMNIST

Racial Justice and Educational Equity

By Scott J. Turnbull

“It’s up to all of us — Black, white, everyone — no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out.”

— Michelle Obama

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oquel Union Elementary School District is committed to racial justice and educational equity. Our district realizes the power of those words. We also understand that words alone are not enough and must be accompanied by action.

The journey of racial justice and educational equity is a lifelong pursuit and requires the willingness to engage in uncomfortable self-examination (for individuals and collectively). As public educators, we have the privilege of shaping young minds.

We recognize that privilege comes with the responsibility to look inwards at our own beliefs and practices.

Our commitment starts at the top. On June 17, our Board of Trustees approved a “Resolution in Support of Black Lives Matter and Ending Systemic Racism in Education.” The resolution is quite strong and includes the following statements among many others: “Throughout our nation’s history, institutional racism has permeated government, education, business, civic, and cultural life, continuing to the present in many forms.”

“Dismantling the structures of racism must include the attention to the roles of schools and educational institutions at all levels.”

“The formal education received by most young Americans of all races omits a significant amount of information about the nature, history, and solutions to American racism.”

Our Board of Trustees followed up this resolution by engaging in professional

“Mesh” from page 21 • Must adequately inform and train independent contractors, agents, and employees who sell, market, or promote mesh, regarding their obligations to report all patient complaints and adverse events to the company.

• When submitting a clinical study, clinical data, or preclinical data for

reading and subsequent discussion. On July 15, board members read a governance brief from the California School Boards Association titled, “Educational Equity: The Need for Boards to Support EquityBased Decisions,” by Nicole Anderson and Manuel Buenrostro. The article examines the roots of inequity in our country’s school system. Here’s where that “willingness to get uncomfortable” comes into play.

One particular quote stands out: “The history of public education in the U.S. is rooted in the belief that it is acceptable for some students to have greater opportunities than others. This is, in fact, a foundational idea in U.S. education, as evidenced in 1779 when Thomas Jefferson proposed a two-track educational system, with different tracks, in his words, for the ‘laboring and the learned.’

Scholarships would allow only a select few of the laboring class to advance, Jefferson says, by ‘raking a few geniuses from the rubbish.’”

What a jarring concept to have to internalize and reflect on.

The article also examines opportunity gaps, achievement gaps, the impact of school climate and discipline, among many other critical topics.

The Soquel Education Association, the local chapter of the California Teachers Association, weighed in with a very articulate letter in support of racial justice. An overwhelming majority of SEA members have signed the letter, which passed unanimously at their general meeting on July 20. It is inspiring to see how passionate our teachers and staff are regarding racial justice and educational equity. Their letter starts: “As SEA members, we stand with our colleagues and students of color. We believe that Black Lives Matter.” The document delineates short-term considerations and ongoing considerations. Everything

from updating our school libraries “to include and highlight equity, diversity, and inclusion” to ensuring “equity of voice among parents and families in the community.” Our district is lucky to collaborate with a partner such as SEA so dedicated to the cause of educational equity.

Our district has earmarked more than $20,000 to augment our school libraries with books that better accentuate racial justice, diversity, and inclusion. Stakeholders will work with our school principals to identify the books at each site.

Over the summer, we updated one of our school murals with these same concepts in mind. A community member brought to our attention that African Americans were not represented on the mural at Main Street Elementary School. Main Street Principal Ronnie Platt surveyed the community and found a desire also to reflect people with disabilities. We are lucky to have an exceptional art teacher in our district, Roy Segura. He updated the mural with both groups. We see this as one small but tangible step in our racial justice and equity journey.

The next step for our district is to engage in an in-depth study at multiple

levels. We have contracted with Nicole Anderson and Associates Consulting, LLC, to help guide us in this pursuit. Nicole is one of the authors of the article I mentioned. Her group has “designed a rich and comprehensive program with a systems approach to support educational leaders and teams from all educational levels to assist in the development of deep belief systems and understanding of diversity that empowers them to proactive and responsive to the diverse needs of the communities they serve.”

Nicole will be working directly with our Board of Trustees, Administrative Council, and a newly formed Racial Justice Task Force. The task force consists of teachers, classified staff, administrators, and parents.

As an organization, SUESD is both humble and passionate about racial justice and educational equity. We are humble in knowing that we don’t have all the answers and that the challenges are complex. We are passionate about digging in and doing the necessary work. n ••• Scott J. Turnbull is superintendent of the Soquel Union Elementary School District.

publication, must disclose the company’s role as a sponsor and any author’s potential conflict of interest; • Must not cite any clinical study, clinical data, or preclinical data regarding mesh for which the company has not complied with the disclosure requirements; • Must include a sponsorship disclosure provision in contracts that require a consultant to agree to disclose in any

public presentation or submission for publication, Bard’s sponsorship of the contracted activity; and • Must register all Bard-sponsored clinical studies regarding mesh with ClinicalTrials.gov.

The settlement comes on the heels of Becerra securing a $344 million Superior Court judgment in January against Johnson & Johnson for false and deceptive

marketing of its pelvic mesh products for women. n ••• To see the complaint against Bard, visit oag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/Bard%20FINAL %20complaint.pdf To see the order resolving the case, visit oag. ca.gov/sites/default/files/Stipulation%20for%20 Entry%20of%20Final%20judgment%20 and%20Permanent%20Injunction.pdf

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 27

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Is Rent Control Good For Businesses?

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hough one doesn’t know the reaction by every reader of this headline, regardless of your initial response, keep in mind that the majority of landlords here are small businesses themselves — owning a single building or a single property.

One of the ways a landlord’s small business operates, is to experience minimal turnover (avoiding months of not collecting rents) and usually increasing the rent 4-5% each year to keep up with any inflation (which has been under 2% for years) but also to remain competitive with every other rental space charged by other landlords.

But what if you own a small business and you’re leasing the building, paying for all utilities, improvements, changes, AND you have to pay 4-5% more each year for rent — a fixed cost regardless of sales?

By Ron Kustek

If your profits (not sales) are not growing at the same 4-5% each year, then besides paying more you are making less profit, which can only come from your own pocket.

Many of us say we want the “invisible-magical hand of the marketplace” or “supply & demand” to determine pricing.

But a small business landlord can easily increase profits by increasing the rent each year, without putting any more of money into the building or the property — just by collecting the monthly rental check.

Thus, one small business (a landlord) is able to increase its profitability at the literal expense of another small business (a restaurant, gift shop, clothing store, that is leasing).

Thus begins a common failure-spiral.

28 / October 2020 / Capitola Soquel Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com

In order to afford a 4-5% rent increase, a small business may choose not to pay employees a living wage – not that they don’t want to, but often because they just can’t afford to.

Certainly, providing healthcare and/ or additional benefits may not be possible, because the rent has increased. This may then cause a small business to reduce costs, using lower-quality ingredients, turning off utilities when the location isn’t full of customers, or putting off improving their technology, merchandising or other plans of improvement.

Some small businesses may decide to increase prices to help cover the rent increase — which may not be noticed by tourists, but is a major concern for locals, some who are on fixed incomes and/or living off their finite retirement savings.

This results in lower overall sales (and profits) as no local business can survive with tourists alone, and certainly not when we’re trying to keep tourist customers away during Covid-19 times.

The point is, there are no bad people in the aforementioned scenario. There are just business owners trying to maximize their profits with the least amount of expenses.

However, we can see that this “formula” and interrelationship among all small business owners — may have reached its tipping point.

True, it is often up to the lessee (tenant) and the lessor (landlord) to negotiate their lease agreements, whether for one year or multiple years.

“Rent Control” page 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Imagine a Day Without Water

Pure Water Soquel Working With Community To Ensure That Day Never Comes

By Rebecca Gold Rubin

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magine a Day Without Water, taking place on Oct. 21, is an annual nationwide day of education and advocacy about the value of water, and how all of us depend on water every single day. It also highlights the services provided by water suppliers and wastewater collection/treatment facilities.

Imagine we can see into the future, and our community is without a reliable water supply. Seawater has continued its imminent advance into our over-drafted groundwater basin, making the water unusable. That means the District’s sole source of your drinking water is contaminated — and eventually that contamination will spread into other parts of the groundwater basin, which is also used by the City of Santa Cruz, Central Water District, other small mutual agencies, and over 1,000 private well owners.

We are working to ensure that a day without water will never arrive for our customers and are implementing the Pure Water Soquel project — a drought-proof water resource which is adaptable to climate change.

Take a little bit of time to reflect on what your life would be like without water and

“Rent Control” from page 28 But we’ve all seen when a small business management company sells to a larger commercial property developer, and that developer doubles rents, or refuses to renew a local small business’ lease. Again, this is the “invisible-magical hand of the

learn more about Pure Water Soquel — a project to replenish our water supply and protect our groundwater basin from being further contaminated with seawater. This project will provide a safe and reliable water supply for generations to come.

How safe and reliable? Check out the science: the advanced water purification processes to be used in Pure Water Soquel are proven systems that successfully remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products, as well as pathogens and viruses (including COVID-19) and create purified water. This water is cleaner than treated groundwater or surface water, and the bottled water you and your family may drink.

There are four components of the Pure Water Soquel project — a recycled water treatment facility, conveyance pipelines, an advanced water purification facility, and seawater intrusion prevention wells. This project is an investment in our water system infrastructure and natural resources and is anticipated to cost $90 million.

Plus, we are prudently planning for cost contingencies, just like you may do when remodeling your kitchen. The good

marketplace” at work, and perhaps it’s time to change that practice.

Consider this: if a local small business (landlord) could only legally charge no more than 2% more each year, their small business (tenant) may more easily be able to invest in building their business, to attract more customers, and/or pay employees

news is the District (i.e. our customers) were fortunate to be awarded a $50 million grant from the State Water Board, along with millions of dollars in very low interest loans from the state and the US EPA to help fund the rest of the project costs. The State and EPA financial contributions demonstrate the investment, partnership, and support for the District and the Pure Water Soquel project for our community.

We are effectively leveraging the rates you pay, and this will reduce pressure on the need for future rate increases. On top of that, a UCSC study evaluated the cost/benefit of Pure Water Soquel, concluding that for every dollar invested to build the project, nearly $9 is put back into the economy. That results in an approximately $1 billion positive economic impact, and that’s good for all of us.

The report also states that if the project were not to be realized, then people would need to use less water and pay an estimated threetimes more in rates.

Imagining a day without water might look like this: you wake up one day and there’s no water to drink, or to make coffee.

You don’t have any water to shower or take a bath, flush the toilet, or do laundry. Hospitals, schools, and businesses would not be able to operate, and there would be no water for fighting fires, or for fish and other more, thus helping the overall local economy. Local customers may not notice a price increase of 2% or less, thus, the less chance of a sales decline. And frankly, if the landlord doesn’t regularly invest their money to improve the property and is just charging what the market will bear, then why should they be generating such an

aquatic life, or for farms and ranches to grow our food. What would that look like? How would it affect your own community, your neighborhood, and your household?

This can be the basis for a thoughtprovoking family discussion, and help reinforce the understanding that safe, reliable water (and wastewater services) are not just important — they are absolutely essential to our everyday quality of life, for our families, our livelihoods, and our future, and they must be protected and enhanced.

••• Want to learn more? or more information on this nationwide day: imagineadaywithoutwater.org.

There, you can learn more and see other ways that you, your family, and your neighbors can participate.

For more info and facts about Pure Water Soquel: soquelcreekwater.org/pws I hope you’ll think about these concepts, and how Pure Water Soquel is part of the long-term solution to our water supply problems. n ••• As always, if you have any questions about this month’s topic or anything else related to Soquel Creek Water District, feel free to contact the District at outreach@soquelcreekwater.org or visit www.soquelcreekwater.org.

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increase in profits at the expense of other small businesses -– and, at the expense of our community of patrons (customers)? n ••• Ron Kustek is a former senior executive and also small business owner who is currently a business instructor at Cabrillo College.

Contact him at rokustek@cabrillo.edu

www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 29

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Hwy 1 Improvements in the Pipeline

By Zach Friend, Second District Supervisor

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common question I receive is when will Highway 1 be improved or, more specifically, when there will be some relief for congestion on Highway 1.

While the shelter-in-place order understandably decreased traffic on the highway and our local roads, many of the same patterns have begun to reappear. Over the last few decades, various economic and land use patterns have increased the commute times on the highway — disproportionally impacting the mid and south county areas.

The Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) has some notable projects in collaboration with CalTrans and Santa Cruz County Public Works that could provide some notable improvements.

Auxiliary Lanes and Bus-on-Shoulder he biggest addition to the overall highway improvements is new buson-shoulder infrastructure extending from Soquel Drive to Freedom Boulevard. Buson-shoulder is a relatively rare facility in California, and the RTC had to get special permission to proceed, including passage of Assemblymember Mark Stone’s AB 946 in 2013.

Soon buses will have a dedicated “lane” on the paved shoulder adjacent to the highway and extending from the auxiliary lanes between highway exits. Think of it as an extra highway lane that serves as both extended on- and off-ramps and a dedicated highway bus lane. The goal is to provide Metro buses a leg up during peak congestion to encourage transit use.

The first phase of bus-on-shoulder will be a 2.75-mile stretch between Morrissey Boulevard in Santa Cruz to Bay/Porter in Capitola. The second phase of the auxiliary lanes will extend the existing lanes from Soquel Drive to 41st Avenue.

The Soquel to 41st Avenue segment of this project will also include a new pedestrian overcrossing at Chanticleer, which will connect neighborhoods that were bifurcated by Highway 1 fifty years ago.

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The project is expected to be ready to begin construction by the end of the year, and while we know CalTrans will lead the construction process we do not know yet when construction will begin.

Bay/Porter to State Park his phase of the Highway 1 project will extend the bus-onshoulder to State Park and create auxiliary lanes at the Bay/ Porter, Park, and State Park interchanges. Other features of this project will include new drainage facilities, retaining walls, sound walls, and replacement of the Capitola Avenue overcrossing.

Additionally, this will include the Mar Vista pedestrian overcrossing. This bicycle and pedestrian bridge is expected to extend from Mar Vista on the Seacliff side of Highway 1 to Mar Vista on the Soquel side of Highway 1 providing a safe route to school for Mar Vista Elementary as well as residents accessing either side of the

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highway.

The Regional Transportation Commission is working on design and environmental documents for this project and expect to circulate them for comment in October. There will be in-person and virtual opportunities for members of the public to interact with consultants and staff and to provide input on the designs and plans. Staff expect the design and environmental planning phases of this project will be complete in 2021, but the RTC will be running various phases of the approval process concurrently to shorten the approval timeline. Should everything go according to the plans, we could expect this project to be fully funded and under way in 2023.

State Park to Freedom Upgrades nyone driving north from Watsonville in the mornings knows that severe congestion can start before Mar Monte

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and extend for quite some time. Fixing the segment between Rio Del Mar and State Park would go a long way towards addressing this congestion.

The RTC is moving forward with a plan with auxiliary lanes and bus-on-shoulder, two new trestles that will accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, and more (making these improvements extend all the way to Freedom Blvd). The trestles are the largest cost in this phase of the highway improvements, but between Measure D here in Santa Cruz County and California Senate Bill 1 new opportunities to fund multimodal projects have come online — and the hope is that our county is ideally positioned to access these new state funds.

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 during the shelter-inplace order I’m hosting tele-town halls with County, State and community leaders. n If you’re interested in the town halls or just want to connect on an issue you can always call me at 454-2200.

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SCCAS Featured Pet

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Fertilizer Is A Seasonal Commodity

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Midnight Fluff

i, I’m Cocoa, a spayed female rabbit.

I came into the shelter for the second time on August 6 as an owner surrender. My owners could not keep me any longer as they were moving so here I sit waiting again for my forever home.

I’m very sweet, very easy to spend time with and like to engage with my toys! I’m 5 years old and very energetic. I really appreciate toys I can climb on and explore as I’m curious. I really want a second chance at another indoor home.

You can come into meet me and maybe we will click and want to be together.

I hope to see you soon!

crossword on 25 »

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is currently doing adoptions by appointment only. An application must be submitted and landlord permission or proof of home ownership received prior to arranging a meet. Call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours or visit www.scanimalshelter.org for more information! n ••• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter has two full-service, open-admission shelters: Santa Cruz Location (Public Entrance): 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, 95062 Hours: Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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

By Tony Tomeo

ertilizer, in simple terms, helps plants grow. It provides a bit more of what growing plants crave. In some situations, it compensates for nutrient deficiencies. Fertilizer can be organic or synthetic.

Various formulations serve a variety of purposes.

C u s t o m formulations appeal to plants with discriminating taste, such as citrus, orchids and roses. Slow release fertilizer lasts for a month or two.

Of course, proper scheduling of the application of fertilizer is very important.

Fertilizer can actually become toxic with excessively frequent application. Fertilizer that provides significant nitrogen to promote vegetative growth after bloom can inhibit floral growth prior to bloom.

Fertilizer that promotes root growth for new plants is unnecessary for mature plants. The diets of plants are variable.

Summer lingers later here. Regardless of the weather, it is now autumn. This is when deciduous plants start the process of defoliation for their winter dormancy.

Evergreen plants are less obvious about their winter dormancy. Some remain active and even bloom through autumn and winter locally. Nonetheless, cooling weather and shortening days inhibit vascular activity of almost all plants.

Except for cool season vegetables and bedding plants, not many plants benefit from fertilizer applied this late. New plants might appreciate a bit just to help them adjust to their new environment. Some deciduous plants, particularly roses, like a last late application of fertilizer as they get ready for their long winter dormancy.

Movie Titles © Statepoint Media

Fertilizer is about to be passe.

Lawns might want fertilizer this late or perhaps later to stay green.

Otherwise, it is getting late to utilize fertilizer.

Late application of fertilizer can be very detrimental to plants that are sensitive to cool weather. Such plants typically finish growing through summer. By autumn, their mature foliage and stems are either resilient to minor frost, or are dieing back (defoliating) for winter dormancy.

Fertilizer can stimulate premature development of new growth that will be much more sensitive to even mild frost.

••• Kahili Ginger t is not the ginger that is so popular for culinary purposes, but it is the most popular for home gardens in the West.

Kahili ginger, Hedychium gardnerianum, is so vigorous and easy to grow that it has potential to be invasive in ideal situations.

Fortunately, it does not produce many of its sticky seeds locally. It therefore migrates primarily by dispersing rhizomes, which are not noxiously fast.

The delightfully fragrant bloom begins late in summer, and will finish soon.

As many as forty small pale yellow and red flowers radiate from each cylindrical floral Kahili ginger blooms as truss.

Blooms summer ends. stand neatly vertical, even if the stems supporting them lean. As cut flowers, they last only for a few days. Deadheading after bloom eliminates unwanted seed (if that is a concern), and unclutters the tidy foliage below.

However, with or without deadheading, the lush foliage is only temporary after bloom. It deteriorates as the weather cools through autumn. Cutting the herbaceous canes to the ground before they get too unsightly will expose some of the thick rhizomes. New canes will grow a few feet tall next spring and summer. On the canes, each leaf extends in the opposite direction of the leaf below it. n ••• Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at tonytomeo.com .

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www.tpgonlinedaily.com Capitola Soquel Times / October 2020 / 31

Happy Halloween WISHING YOU A VERY

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