LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola & Soquel

MAY 2016 EVERYTHING APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL

Sports 2 Delta School Page 2

Vol. 4 No. 10

APTOS SOQUELCAPITOLA

Inside ...Letter ..................................2Briefs ...............................4-5Calendar...........................14

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Guest columns...

Croxall Capital Planning 10

Ruth Bates 10

Zach Friend 11

Ask Nicole 11



HISTORYCORNER

By John HibbleCall: 688-1467

Visit us online:aptoshistory.org

Visit the museum:7605-B Old Dominion Court Aptos, CA


How did the Polo Grounds Regional Park get its name? The park has a total area of 62 acres with 40 hidden acres of flat alluvial plain located between Valencia Creek on the west and oak woodland hillsides on the north and east sides, topped by Huntington Drive. The valley empties out to the intersection of Soquel Drive, Rio Del Mar Boulevard and Polo Drive.

Historically, Native Americans did not build a village in this area but there is evidence of their presence. During the Mexican rancho period, this area would have been an ideal place to graze cattle in a confined area.

The first time that this area gets any historical notice is when Claus Spreckels, the sugar millionaire, acquired it as part of his initial purchase of 2,390 acres from Rafael Castro in 1872 for use as a Thoroughbred horse ranch and as a summer get-away from

Polo in Aptos?

By TODD GUILD

APTOS — After years of putting a new bathroom project on hold, Santa Cruz County on April 27 broke ground on a project that should be a relief to people who use Polo Grounds County Park.

One of the most heavily used among the county’s park system, the 62-acre Polo

Grounds plays host to youth sports, joggers, bicyclists, weddings and parties, among other activities.

But portable toilets have long been the only facilities at the park, forcing some users to drive elsewhere when nature called.

“The sanitation facilities are less than

County dumps portable restrooms; give park goers somewhere to goNew bathrooms at Polo Grounds to be completed in summer By TODD GUILD

CAPITOLA — Just before the year 2000 began, Capitola Library was cobbled together from six mobile modules, meant to be a temporary home.

That structure at 2005 Wharf Road still stands, and despite the rickety appearance, it has become an epicenter of the Capitola community.

“Temporary apparently means 17 years,” said Janis O’Driscoll,

interim director for the Santa Cruz County library system.

The library celebrated its 16th birthday March 26, with a cake from nearby Gayle’s Bakery and several activities for children and adults. Hundreds of people attended the event.

O’Driscoll said the library draws people of all ages, from children to government workers to Silicon Valley employees to farm workers.

Capitola Library celebrates sweet 16thEvent marks kickoff for Measure S

By TODD GUILD

APTOS — The Cabrillo College Robotics Club took the top prize April 21 in the NASA Swarmathon, a competition designed to prepare aspiring young engineers for the future of extra-planetary exploration.

That future, it seems, will come in swarms.

Swarms of small robots, that is, all tasked with finding and analyzing resources on distant planets.

That was once the job of a single, larger rover laden with various and sundry scientific equipment. The most notable examples are the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity.

Those and other plucky automatons have been exploring the red planet for nearly two decades, sending back photos and other valuable data.

The trouble comes when of the fragile and extremely expensive rovers malfunctions, or the rocket taking them into space fails.

But sending a large group of smaller robots – a swarm – assures that most make it intact.

The group can also do more work, according to NASA.

A group of 20 can travel and search 26 miles of linear distance in eight hours without recharging, which is the same

Cabrillo College Robotics Club wins national competition

Improvements in CapitolaWorks continues on a major renovation of sidewalks and crosswalks in Capitola Village. Work includes replacing, and, in some cases, even widening the sidewalks in the area. The sidewalk work in the Village are improvements to the intersection of Stockton Avenue and the Esplanade to condense two crosswalks going across Stockton Avenue into one, said Steve Jesberg, Public Works director. The heavy lifting portion of the village project should wrap up in the next soon. However, there will be some finishing work, such as installing street lights and other features that will tag along at the end. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

2 - LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel May 2016

By TODD GUILD

APTOS — Cody Schlumbrecht never found his niche in public schools.

The 16-year-old was diagnosed at a young age with a mild form of Asperger’s Syndrome, which renders him somewhat socially awkward.

As a result, he was mercilessly bullied and harassed.

“All the public schools I’ve ever attended were the worst days of my life,” he said.

One bully in particular singled him out during his freshman year at Harbor High School, he said.

“He would torture me,” Schlumbrecht said.

All of that changed when he came to Delta High School.

Tucked behind Cabrillo College in Aptos, the tiny school boasts a population of no more than 140 students and a program custom-made for kids who, like Schlumbrecht, have been unable to fit into the traditional school mold.

“At Delta there are so many kids like that,” Schlumbrecht’s grandmother Cathy Schlumbrecht said. “They are so bright, but they don’t fit into traditional education.”

Bullying is strictly forbidden, and staff and students talk out interpersonal conflicts the minute they arise.

The 16-to-1 student ratio, moreover, allows personal attention from teachers.

“This school is much better for me because I feel safe here,” Cody Schlumbrecht said. “There is less bullying, the kids are nice to each other and there isn’t much conflict.”

Delta High School was founded 22 years ago by a group of Santa Cruz County business leaders concerned about California’s rising dropout rate.

An independent school district, it is run by its own seven-member school board.

It recently received its six-year

accreditation from a month ago from Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The school receives some Average Daily Attendance funding from Santa Cruz City Schools, which is Delta’s chartering agency.

Because it is such a small school, however, Delta relies heavily on grants and on private contributions.

A grant that funded a math instructional aide recently ended, and school officials hope to raise $30,000 at a May 25 fundraiser.

The school offers state-mandated high school curriculum, but it differs from traditional schools in its small community atmosphere, said principal Mary Gaukel Forster.

That can be a blessing for young people who find themselves lost and bewildered in schools with as many as 3,000 students, she said.

“In our school relationships are key,” she said.

Gaukel Forster said the school’s academics are geared toward life beyond high school. Delta students can take courses at Cabrillo College such as math, English and history.

The college-level courses give students a head start on their education by giving them college credit and experience navigating such post-secondary hurdles as reading and understanding syllabi, Gaukel said.

“We help prepare them for college life,” she said.

To attend Delta, all students must go through their first year of high school at a traditional school, to make sure they don’t find a place for themselves.

After that, they must apply, provide two letters of recommendation and explain in writing why the school would work for them.

That’s followed by an in-person interview that ends with the question, “do you want to go here?” Gaukel Forster said.

“It is a school of choice,” she said. “Students have to want to come.”

Cathy Schlumbrecht said she had similar experiences with Cody’s mainstream schools.

After talking to parents reluctant to let their children play with her grandson, she said she found a supportive community at Delta.

“We feel like we fit in here,” she said. “I have not found my place in a school system. I always felt like I was on the other side of the fence.”

Students are required to get at least 15 hours of community service, a program known in Delta parlance as Exploring Life’s Options.

“We want to expose them to as much as possible, Gaukel Forster said.

Through the ELO program, students have worked with organizations such as American Red Cross, Jacob’s Heart, Homeless Garden Project, Meals on Wheels and the Teen Kitchen Project.

“This school is amazing,” Cathy Schlumbrecht said. “It’s saving these kids when they couldn’t fit in other places.”

•••The Delta Charter High School fundraiser

is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Sesnon House on the Cabrillo campus. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to fund a math tutor.

Students will share their experiences with Delta, hors’ d’oeuvres and local wines will be available and California congressional candidate and Monterey County Deputy District Attorney Jimmy Panetta will give the keynote speech.

Four custom gift baskets will be auctioned off, with themes such as pet items, spa, and Santa Cruz experience, with a ride on the Chardonnay II, a 70-foot charter boat.

RSVP to [email protected] or call 295-6010 by Friday, May 13.

To make a donation, or for information, visit www.deltaschool.org or call 477-5212. Donations can also be sent to 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003.

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Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel is published monthly. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. Life in Aptos, Capitola and Soquel is a division of the Register-Pajaronian. Publishing in Santa Cruz County since 1894.

A safe place to learnDelta High School to hold first fundraiser

Not a ‘voice of reason’

To the Editor,

Recently a candidate running for the position of County Supervisor, Becky Steinbruner, wrote a guest editorial in this paper. In that editorial she claimed that when I was the County Supervisor for the Second District I described her as “a voice of reason.”

While I don’t remember ever saying that, it’s possible that I did. But the Becky Steinbruner I knew slightly years ago was very different than the person who has been in the news for the last year. I would never call her reasonable or a “voice of reason” today and she should not be using my name to promote her candidacy for a position on the Board of Supervisors. I do not support her in any way, shape or form and she should not try to imply that I approve of her actions.

Ellen PirieCounty Supervisor, 2001-2013

Sophomore Alex Smith works on a clay model of a shark. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

Delta School instructor Sabrina Sahlstrom (standing) helps her students get started on a science project where they were learning about marine vertebras. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

LIFE Everything Aptos, Capitola and Soquel 3 May 2016

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She Wore Blue Velvet

By TODD GUILD

APTOS — The Cabrillo College Board of Trustees in March voted unanimously to place a local education bond measure on the June 7 ballot.

The Cabrillo College Technology, Job Training and Classroom Repair Measure, also known as Measure Q, is a $310 million education bond that proponents say would make repairs and upgrades to the college.

“This measure will help us upgrade our outdated technology, expand classrooms and enhance labs for (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields so we can continue to offer the high caliber of affordable education for which Cabrillo College is known,” said Trustee Gary Reece.

Reece added that, while many new buildings line Soquel Drive, the majority are more than four decades old and are in need of renovations.

Cabrillo College President Laurel Jones said the measure would help the college keep up with increased demand for technology classes.

“… Cabrillo has recently experienced an increase in student demand for science, engineering, and math classes,” she said. “To meet this demand, Cabrillo needs

large lecture classrooms that can provide the technology tools for faculty to enhance the classroom and that will help our students succeed as they transfer to four-year colleges and universities and excel in the 21st century economy.”

Jones pointed out that community colleges in California receive far less funding than their University of California and California State University cousins.

CSU receives just over $14,000 per student apportionment, while UC receives nearly $25,000. Community colleges, meanwhile, get just under $8,000 per student, Jones said.

“One thing people forget is that we are the least paid public educational institution in the state of California,” she said.

The bond measure would upgrade classroom technology, science labs and computer labs. It would also improve electrical systems and wiring for computers and wireless Internet access to enable distance education and online learning, Cabrillo College spokeswoman Kristin Fabos said.

Cabrillo instructor Ray Kaupp, PhD, who heads up Responsible Educators Against Measure Q, said the measure failed to garner an endorsement from the North County Democratic Club.

It also failed in a recent vote by the

Cabrillo College Faculty Senate, Kaupp said.

The bond won’t be Cabrillo’s first. Kaupp pointed to Measure D, a $118

million bond measure that passed in 2004 with 62 percent voter approval. That bond funded the college’s new visual and performing arts complex, the Allied Health center and the student activities center and the restoration of the 300 building.

“We built a lot of stuff with $118 million,” he said.

But Kaupp, who teaches business classes, said Measure Q will eventually cost local taxpayers $623 million when principal and interest are factored in.

“That’s a staggering amount of money, especially for a campus that has, according to the 2015 Educational Master plan, over 150,000 square feet of excess space,” he said.

Jones agreed there are buildings that are sitting unused, but said that is precisely one of the projects the bond would fund.

She said the college has a detailed plan of how the money would be used, should it pass muster with voters. It includes fiscal accountability requirements such as a citizens’ bond oversight committee, independent annual financial and performance audits.

Kaupp said he was part of the committee

that began preparing for the bond last year, identifying around $65 million of needed projects.

That included $50 million of maintenance over the next 10 years, $12 million in capital improvements and $3 million in technology.

“The reason we did that was to build a case for a bond,” he said.

But, citing a poll, a bond consultant told the college that residents would likely approve a $310 million bond, Kaupp said.

And so the college then came up with an expanded list that included $150 million in technology and $112 million for paving walkways, Kaupp said.

Kaupp said he recently received a “stern” email from the district’s lawyers, warning that he could face jail sentences and fines if he uses college resources for political activities. He added that Jones shut down a faculty email server while a discussion about the bond was going on.

Jones explained those decisions came at the advice of the college’s legal bond counsel, which warned that allowing the usage of college resources to discuss bond issues could result in legal trouble.

•••For information, visit tinyurl.com/

ze2bfhg.

Cabrillo trustees approve $310 million bondVoters to decide in June

Staff report

APTOS — Seascape Village Fitness & Physical Therapy is partnering with Santa Cruz Children’s Charities by hosting their Fourth Annual “Fit for the Fight” fundraising event.

The event will take place Friday, June 3,

from 7-10 p.m. at Village Fitness Center in Seascape Village. There will be appetizers, desserts, and beverages as well as dancing, and entertainment featuring The Extra Large Band. Silent auction items and raffle prizes will also be sold at the event.

This year, the goal is to raise $20,000 which will be donated to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa

Cruz and Santa Cruz Children’s Charities.For tickets and/or donations, call 708-

2323.

‘Fit For The Fight’ against cancer


CABRILLO COLLEGE VAPA OPEN HOUSEART COMPETITION

Aptos High School student Julia Ramos received second place for her work, “Seeds.”

Staff report

APTOS – Julia Ramos, a senior at Aptos High School, was named the 2nd place winner of Rep. Sam Farr’s Congressional Art Competition.

Ramos’s piece ,“Seeds.”, will be prominently displayed in the congressman’s Washington office. Makayla Magdaleno, a sophomore at San Benito High School, is the first-place winner of the art competition. Her winning piece, “Red Sova”, will be displayed in the halls of the Capitol along with other students’ works from across the country. Alvarez High School senior Jesus Gil was named the third place winner, with “Blue”. His piece will be displayed in the congressman’s Salinas office.

Maya Yokoyama, Aptos High School; Oscar Gonzalez, North Salinas High School; Isabella Arreola, San Benito High School; Meghan Brandt, Georgiana Bruce Kirby and Trinity Esola, Georgiana Bruce Kirby were all selected as Honorable Mentions.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic works of their young constituents. Since then, more than 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nation-wide competition.

Farr announces student winners of Congressional

Art Competition Dance Department presents Spring Dance Concert

Staff report

APTOS – The 2016 Cabrillo Spring Dance Concert presents new works by emerging Cabrillo student choreographers and faculty dance premieres.

Dance faculty member and professional choreographer, Rhonda Martyn, creates a premiere to the music of U2, while the contributions of Cabrillo College choreographers and dancers encompass a spectrum of dance styles.

Cabrillo Dance faculty Amy Farhood has created two new dances with her Watsonville Salsa Repertory class. The Integrated dance class returns to the Crocker Stage, under the direction of faculty choreographer Sharon Took-Zozaya.

The event will take place at the Cabrillo Crocker Theater, 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos, May 6-7 at 7:30 p.m. and May 8 at 2 p.m. Admission is $14 general, $12 students and $6 student activity card. Tickets can be purchased at cabrillovapa.com or by calling 479-6154.

The Cabrillo College Dance Department will present the Spring Dance Concert May 6-8. Contributed photo

Cabrillo’s arts department

holding open houseStaff report

APTOS — Members of the community are invited to a free open house at the Cabrillo College Visual Applied and Performing Arts (VAPA) Complex on May 14.

Attendees will be able to tour the arts departments at the college, watch performances and make their own art. Guests to the open house will experience what Cabrillo College’s VAPA department has to offer, with live theater, outdoor drumming, dance performances, wild pianos, media

arts and more. The experience will be immersive, inviting attendees to paint, make sculptures, take photographs, try their hand at animation or calligraphy and print making.

Art studios, including the metal arts, jewelry studio, and the 3D Printing “Fab Lab” will be hosting tours. Prospective students of all ages can learn about the classes Cabrillo offers in the arts. Zameen’s food truck will also be onsite to provide guests with refreshments as they get their creative juices going.

The Visual and Performing Arts Department is located on the lower campus of Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive in Aptos, and parking is free in the lots near the VAPA Complex.

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Businesses to host inaugural ‘Aptos

Wine Wander’Staff report

APTOS — Aptos Village businesses announced they will host the first-ever Aptos Wine Wander, a fundraiser for Aptos-area elementary schools held in partnership with the Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association, on Saturday, May 14.

The inaugural event, which will be 1-4 p.m., will feature wines from 10 Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries. Participating wineries include: Armitage Wines, Bargetto Winery, Bottle Jack Winery, Mindego Ridge Vineyard, MJA Vineyards, Nicholson Vineyards, Sante Arcangeli Family Winery, Silver Mountain Vineyards, Windy Oaks Estate Vineyard & Winery and Wrights Station Vineyard & Winery.

Tastings will be offered inside Aptos Village businesses, located on Soquel Drive and Trout Gulch Road. Wine Wanderers will be encouraged to walk business-to-business to explore the shops and sample wine. Wine tastings will be offered at Cantine Winepub, Warmth Company, Mulberry Gallery, Armitage Wines, Talmadge Construction, Gravity Saddlemaker, Jet Set Bohemian, Claudia DeMaranville Allstate, Aptos Village Garage, Print Smith and Epicenter Cycling.

“The Wine Wander is one of several new events local businesses will be hosting to remind Aptos residents of the wonderful services that are available here in the ‘heart of the Village,’” said Claudia DeMaranville, agency principal for Allstate Insurance, a longtime Aptos Village business. “The Aptos Village is a diverse shopping area that allows our residents to buy local and receive fantastic customer service close to home.”

Proceeds from the Aptos Wine Wander will benefit Mar Vista, Rio del Mar and Valencia elementary schools. Tickets, which include a commemorative glass, are $35 in advance and are available online through the Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers Association, scmwa.com/event/aptos-wine-wander. Tickets will be $40 at the door.

Aptos Village is at 8050 Soquel Drive.

Capitola Reserve Police Officer sworn inStaff report

CAPITOLA — John Ferrera was sworn in as a Capitola Reserve Police Officer on April 20.

Ferrera is a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz County and a graduate of Soquel High School. He currently is a jail detention officer for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. He is also an active National Guard Reservist as a Lieutenant-Major. He is a graduate of the Police Academy and has been very active in law enforcement over the years.

As a Police Reserve Officer, Ferrera will be in training and will be able to assist in the summer season. His wife Tracy is the City Clerk for the City of Scotts Valley.

John Ferrara was sworn in as a Capitola Reserve Police Officer. Contributed photo

Golden Chiropractic is adding acupuncture. Pictured, from left to right: Carmen McIntyre, L.Ac, Dr. Goldi Jacques-Maynes DC and Melissa Pereira Gelin, MTMC, L.Ac. Contributed photo

Golden Chiropractic offers acupunctureStaff report

APTOS — Having completed one year in its new Aptos location, Golden Chiropractic has decided to offer acupuncture this year.

Golden Chiropractic announced the addition of Carmen McIntyre, L.Ac. and Melissa Pereira Gelin, MTMC, L.Ac. to its staff, both practitioners of acupuncture at Golden Chiropractic.

“I have a unique compassion in treatment approach,” Pereira Gelin said. “Efficient and intuitive treatments provide pain relief, release stress, and unblock mental patterns to promote your body’s natural energy flow along the path to harmony, balance, and the best state of health.”

“My goal is to help my patients achieve deep physical and emotional healing through treatments and the use of healthful practices in their everyday lives,” McIntyre said. “With over 13 years of clinical experience, I have developed a distinctive and comprehensive approach to my treatments. I combine the art of Chinese Medicine with an in-depth personal consultation on nutrition and lifestyle. A session may also include the use of essential oils and Ayurvedic principles.”


New bathrooms Continued from page 1

Cabrillo Robotics Continued from page 1

distance traveled by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity in 11 years.

Of course, all of this increases the complexity of the mission, since a gaggle of small robots doing the same thing in the same vicinity can get confusing.

That is where NASA’s first-ever Swarmathon came in.

Engineering and robotics students from across the U.S. wrote their own computer code that made the “swarmies” behave cooperatively, much like a colony of ants, without crashing into each other.

They then pitted their codes and swarmies against each other in an attempt to find and scan 256 bar code markers.

The club elected this year to enter the virtual competition, for which the team’s code was entered into a computer. Imaginary robots then responded accordingly, much like the characters in a video game.

Next year the club will enter the significantly more challenging physical competition, in which the team must write code to control three actual robots.

The Cabrillo team went up against 19 other colleges throughout the U.S. in

five rounds of increasingly difficult and growing courses.

For their victory they won a $3,000 prize, and another $200 for a perfect technical report.

“We cleaned up,” said Cabrillo College engineering instructor and robotics club advisor Michael Matera. “We got every available resource in the allotted amount of time. I couldn’t be more proud of the team.”

That money will go toward the club’s quad copter project, Matera said.

The competition was held at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Fla.

Club president Jaben Melville said the team watched the competition unfold in the Cabrillo College Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical center.

“I am proud of my team and I was real happy to be a part of it,” he said. “We learned a lot and we got a lot out of it.”

•••For information, visit www.

nasaswarmathon.com or www.sites.google.com/site/cabrillorobotics/home.

Michael Matera (standing) heads up a talk in March at the Cabrillo Engineering Club at Cabrillo College in Aptos. File photo by Tarmo Hannula

desirable,” said Jay Johnson, whose business J. Johnson & Company worked with Cabrillo Host Lions Club to help raise the $350,000 to fund the project. “It’s time for that to end.”

In addition, a $2,200 donation by Aptos-based Fleet Feet Sports helped keep the project flush.

The project will include a men’s and women’s bathroom and a concession stand.

“The project has been on the county’s long-range plan for a long time,” said Lions Club member Krista Brassfield. “But it got lost by the wayside.”

Organizers are also hoping the

community will step in to help out with donations.

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend said the new bathrooms will help fill an “important piece of the puzzle” for the popular park.

“Now, through the efforts of our county staff and our partners, we have finally achieved our common goal,” Friend said.

•••To make a donation, visit www.

gogopolo.org. For $75, donors will get an engraved four-by-eight inch paver stone. A $150 donation gets an engraved 12-by-12 inch paver.

Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend (center) takes part in a ground breaking ceremony for a restroom/concession building at Polo Grounds County Park in Aptos as members of the California Conservation Corps look on. Photo by Tarmo Hannula


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History Corner Continued from page 1

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2. Place by mailbox for letter carrier to deliver.

his mansion in San Francisco.“The Sport of Kings” usually refers to

horse racing and Spreckels, the “Sugar King,” was fully involved. By 1874 the ranch included a sulky race track where the Polo Grounds Park is today. A sulky is a lightweight two-wheeled, single-seat cart behind the racehorse. The horses must race at a specific gait, a trot or a pace, usually around a one-mile track. The sport is also called harness racing.

Spreckels’ horses were legendary. An 1879 drawing of the Spreckels Ranch shows the racetrack in the center background with two sulkies. Two of Spreckels’ horses, Speculation and St. Cloud, are shown in the foreground and are named at the bottom of the scene. Speculation was purchased by Spreckels for $8,500, a princely sum 140 years ago.

The Spreckels mansion that you see in the drawing was built in 1877. The address today is 9565 Soquel Drive. The barns, stables and corrals were located about where Rio Del Mar Boulevard intersects Soquel Drive today.

After Spreckels’ death in 1908, his family continued to operate the ranch but allowed it to deteriorate. In July of 1922 it was sold to developers, Fred and Phoebe Sommers of Pomona who opened the first tract of home sites for sale on the hill between Bonita and Monterey Drives. The tract was formerly Spreckels’ Deer Park.

Polo is a very ancient game originating in the Middle East. It was first played in the United States in 1876 and quickly became very popular. Not surprisingly, polo is also referred to as “The Sport of Kings,” due to the expense of maintaining a string of ponies for the sport. Because of the numerous horses available on cattle ranches in the western United States the sport spread quickly. Even the Paniolo cowboys in Hawaii played regularly.

Polo started locally in Santa Cruz in 1922. Polo enthusiasts first got together at Wilder Ranch for informal matches. In July of 1923, a more formal field opened at the corner of California and Bay Avenues in Santa Cruz, but what the Santa Cruz Polo Club really wanted was a facility with stables and accommodations

for the players. In February 1924 they signed an agreement with the Aptos Ranch Company for the use of Spreckels’ former racing grounds, including the barns and stables, and thus, the polo era began. At the same time, it was also announced that R. M. Elsom and Jack Taylor would operate a riding school/equestrian center at the same location.

The Aptos Polo Fields were dedicated on March 17, 1924 with a match between the Tigers and the Cavaliers. Although the field was only dirt, the Santa Cruz Evening News described it “as the most perfect polo field in the west if not in the United States.”

The customary way to watch a polo match was to park your car along the edge of the field and to bring a picnic basket to share as you sat in your car and watched the match. Between 225 and 250 cars were parked around the field at that initial match and the Rotary boy’s band provided music.

In April of 1925, Leo Monroe, William Lyon, Larry Miller, and Joseph Greenberg, (later known as Peninsula Properties), agreed to purchase all of the property from the Sommers in order to develop what would become Rio Del Mar. They actively marketed polo as part of their country club activities. They rented the polo field to the polo club for $1 per year and promised to upgrade the field if the club grew to 200 members. The Spreckels Mansion was the clubhouse for both the country club and the polo club. I think that Peninsula Properties was hoping that the polo club would either buy the property or lease it at an attractive rate once they had enough members. That never quite happened.

Four years later Peninsula Properties spruced up the Polo Grounds in time for the Grand Opening of their new $100,000 Hotel Don Rafael de Castro, May 1, 1929, on the bluff overlooking Monterey Bay. They planted turf on the formerly dusty Polo Grounds and had stables built to accommodate 40 ponies at the north end of the field. The former stables were torn down. By that time Redwood Village Motel had just been built next to where the old stables had been.

Even before the Stock Market crash Peninsula Properties was probably facing cash flow problems. Within a very short time plans were made to generate income from the Polo Grounds property. By October of 1929 the company decided to lease the polo field for growing strawberries. Plans for roads and a subdivision there were submitted to the county in November. In addition to North and South Polo Avenues, three of the roads were named Monroe, Lyon and Miller. Miller Avenue later disappeared

when the Highway 1 interchange was built. In December of 1929, the temporary real estate offices near the beach were moved to the Polo Grounds for use as housing for the strawberry farm employees. By June 1930, cottages were being built. Eventually, in November of 1933 the Polo field was sold off as farmland.

The site continued to be farmed until 1977 when the County Agricultural Commissioner refused to continue to permit pesticide spraying so the property was left fallow for 12 years.

Several residential developments were proposed for the property including 400 housing units and a 99-bed nursing home but the county decided that a regional park was a more appropriate use and purchased

the property in 1987.The park was built by an army of

volunteers and almost exclusively with funds raised by the community. The Grand Opening was held on Sept. 1, 1997. Nineteen years later, the county has just broken ground on permanent restrooms, hooray!

I would like to thank Chuck Carlson for his initial research on the Polo Grounds. If you enjoy stories of the past like this one, please support the Aptos History Museum by reserving tickets for our “Swing into Spring” fundraiser on May 15 by calling 688-1467 or sending a donation. Also, please thank Aptos Life for providing us with space to keep these stories coming.

Santa Cruz County Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

Town Hall Meeting

Prioritizing Critical Community Needs &

New Prevention & Early Intervention Requirements

Prioritizing Critical Community Needs: This is Part II of the strategic planning process. We will provide an overview of state and federal mandates, and within the context of more detailed service utilization and demographic data and additional stakeholder input, establish a prioritized list of action steps over a 5-year period of time. Prevention & Early Intervention: The Mental Health Oversight Accountability passed new regulations affecting the Prevention & Early Intervention component of the Mental Health Services Act. An overview will be provided.

Join us at the Town Hall meeting on:

Tuesday May 10, 2016

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Simpkins Swim Center, 979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz

OR

Thursday May 12, 2016

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Watsonville High School Cafeteria, 250 East Beach Street, Watsonville

For more information please contact Alicia at (831-763-8203) If interpreting services (English/Spanish or sign) are needed,

please call Alicia or Balvina (831-454-4519)

Aptos History Museum archives




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info: SensibleTransportation.org

Before spending more local tax dollars on widening Highway 1, shouldn’t we ask:

Saturday, May 14th, 10:30am-noon Admission free Louden Nelson Center 301 Center St., Santa Cruz

Susan Handy, Ph.D., Director of the National Center for Sustainable Transportation at UC Davis. Dr. Handy was commissioned by the California Air Resources Board to study the impacts of increasing highway capacity on relieving traffic congestion.

Staff report

APTOS — Twin Lakes Church celebrated the opening of their new children’s building April 12. The 40,000-square-foot building is part of a church initiative that is also funding construction of a similar building in India.

The new Aptos facility will serve the church’s elementary and junior high school as well as mid-week and weekend children’s ministries.

“It’s a seven-day-a-week building,” said senior pastor René Schlaepfer. “It will be used all week, both day and night, providing daily opportunities to build into the lives of children in our community.”

The three-story building features 22 classrooms, including a specialized music room, art room, computer lab, and science lab. Two office suites and a two-story outdoor amphitheater are also part of the

project. The new construction is part of the

church’s “2020 Vision” initiative, which also built an educational and medical clinic building at a children’s home near Chennai, India.

“Every time we build on our Aptos campus we also construct a facility in the developing world for a nonprofit or church,” Schlaepfer said.

The children’s building in India is slated for completion at the end of May.

New low-water landscapes were planted throughout church property, and new low-flow fixtures were installed not only in the new building, but in every building on campus.

“Our goal was to demonstrate how we could open a new building yet also dramatically reduce water use, and we’ve done that,” said Schlaepfer.

Twin Lakes celebrates new children’s building

The new children’s building at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos. Photo by Tarmo Hannula


Guest Columnist Guest Columnist

Guest ColumnistGuest Columnist

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By GARY E. CROXALL, CFP® and SOREN E. CROXALL, CFP®

We’ve written several articles about the importance of planning for potential long term care costs sometime in the future. However, an area that is often overlooked is simply the cost of health care in retirement for a relatively healthy person. Each year, Fidelity Investments releases their Retirement Health Care Cost Estimates study. For 2015, a couple aged 65 with an average life expectancy can expect to pay $245,000 for health care costs during their retirement, according to Fidelity’s study. This figure is up from $220,000 in 2014 and does not include the costs of long term care which would cause total health care costs to be exponentially higher. While this figure may cause sticker shock, it’s important to understand your options and begin planning early.

MedicareOften the first thing that comes to mind

when people think of health care coverage in retirement is Medicare. Provided you’ve paid into Medicare, at age 65 you become eligible to enroll. While Medicare Part A is typically premium free, you will pay a premium for Part B. That premium will be based on your income – the more you earn, the more your monthly premium will be. For 2016, the monthly premium can range from $104.90 to $389.80 per month depending on your annual income. Part A & B have deductibles and co-insurance. Along with Part A and B, most people will need a Medicare Supplement Plan and Part D prescription drug plan. Alternatively, you may choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. With many moving parts, it’s important to know your options and costs.

Early RetireesFor “early retirees,” or people who retire

earlier than Medicare eligibility at age 65, it is especially important to understand and plan for health care costs between now and age 65. As divisive an issue as the Affordable Care Act is, one thing is for certain, it has made health care coverage more portable. Before the Affordable Care Act, people often felt tied to their jobs because they didn’t want to lose their health care benefits or they were unsure if they could qualify for an individual plan

because of pre-existing conditions. During annual open enrollment periods or for special qualifying events, you can enroll in Marketplace plans without having to show evidence of insurability. Also, depending on family size and household income, you may qualify for premium assistance or cost sharing reductions. Early retirees should understand what they can expect to pay for health care between now and age 65. While it’s called the Affordable Care Act, early retirees may find that their premiums may not be very “affordable” if their household income is above certain limits and should plan for the expense.

Those still workingFor those still working and enrolled in

a qualifying high deductible health plan (HDHP), you may want to consider a Health Savings Account (HSA), which allows you to make annual tax deductible contributions to the account and if the withdrawals from the account are used for qualifying medical expenses, then they are typically tax-free at the Federal level. State tax rules vary on their treatment of HSA accounts, so work with a qualified tax professional. Another nice feature about HSA’s are that they are portable. Unlike Flexible Spending Accounts which require that you spend them every year, you aren’t required to spend down your HSA account and you can move them if you change jobs or retire.

Health care expenses are a factor that needs to be considered in an individual and families financial planning for retirement. Although the numbers can be quite shocking and headline “grabbing,” careful planning and thinking through the various options available can potentially bring some clarity of what solutions may be available. It all starts, however, with planning ahead and taking action when necessary.

Gary E. Croxall, CFP® Soren E. Croxall, CFP®Croxall Capital Planning

Securities and Advisory Services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Consulting and Investment Management offered through Croxall Capital Planning (CCP), a Registered Investment Advisor. CCP and NPC are separate and unrelated companies. NPC and CCP do not provide tax or legal advice. The information contained herein is for general education and is not intended as specific advice or a recommendation to any person or entity. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of NPC.

Planning for health care costs in retirement

By RUTH BATES

With the State Tax Return Date of April 18, behind us, the real estate world is suddenly on fire! In two days (April 19-20) there have been 51 new listings in the county and 10 of those are in Aptos = New Sellers. Twenty properties moved from Active to Pending in the past two days = New Buyers. Our “Spring” market has arrived. So Sellers, here are a few pointers on preparing your home to sell, and Buyers, here’s an explanation of what a FICO score really is and how to manage your score.

Preparing a home to sellFirst impressions are crucial. Buyers

begin judging your home the moment they see it, and generally they prefer homes

that are well-maintained, clean, and clutter free. Here are a few proven, cost-effective tips that will help your home look its best:

Exterior• Mow and rake the lawn, trim hedges,

weed gardens• Sweep sidewalks and driveway• Repair gutters and eaves, touch up

exterior paint• Plant extra flowers for color, or place

potted plants beside the front door• Clean or paint front door, polish front

door hardware

Interior• Clean and tidy the entrance, clear stairs

and halls, store all excess furniture• Brighten interiors with fresh, light-

toned paint• Clean windows/skylights • Brighten room by installing high

wattage light bulbs • Shampoo carpets, clean and wax floors• Organize kitchen countertops,

removing appliances if necessary, to make them look spacious

• Clean kitchen countertops, cabinets, appliances, washer and dryer

• Organize and clean out closets to make them look larger. Buyers like storage space.

• Clean bathrooms, mirrors, put out clean towels, minimize clutter

• Organize and clean garage • Perform necessary minor repairs and

touch-ups to walls, windows, fixtures, etc.These are just a few ideas to get you

started. Remember, a few easy and inexpensive improvements can produce big returns on your investment.

The FICO scoreThe FICO score was first introduced

in 1989 as a means to measure creditworthiness of a person, the likelihood that person will pay his or her debts. The score is based on consumer credit files of the three national credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. There are five main components:

• 35%: Payment History: Have you made your payments on time. Bankruptcy, liens, judgments, settlements, late payments and foreclosures can cause a FICO score to drop.

• 30%: Debt Burden: This includes how much debt you are carrying, number of accounts with balances, and amounts owed. Getting a higher credit limit can help your credit score as it lowers the utilization average for all your credit card accounts.

• 15%: Length of Credit History: The longer you hold credit, the better the score.

• 10%: Types of Credit Used: The more types of credit you have the better (mortgage, credit card, etc.), but too many accounts open can be a negative.

• 10%: Recent Searches for Credit: Hard credit inquiries, which occur when consumers apply for a credit card or loan, can hurt scores, especially if done in great numbers.

The classic FICO score is between 300 and 850 and higher scores indicate lower credit risk. Lenders may not loan to you if your score is too low and lenders may give you credits if you have a higher score. You can get a free annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com every 12 months from any of the three agencies, but this report does not provide the actual FICO score. Each agency will provide the score for an additional fee (around $7.95). Checking your credit annually is a good thing to do to stay on top of any old open credit accounts you no longer need and to be sure that there is nothing funny going on with your credit.

Spring has sprung – it is gorgeous in Aptos right now and always, to live in Aptos is to live in paradise!

Aptos May real estate update


Guest Columnist Guest Columnist

Guest ColumnistGuest Columnist

By ZACH FRIENDSANTA CRUZ COUNTY SUPERVISOR

In 2013 the Monterey Bay Community Power project, a regional collaborative partnership of all 21 local governments within the greater Monterey Bay area, started researching the possibility of a local community choice energy (CCE) agency within the region. This allows counties and cities to pool their electricity or invest in energy projects for local residents and businesses as an alternative to Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). The effort, initially championed by Supervisor Bruce McPherson and subsequently supported unanimously by the Board of Supervisors,

made County of Santa Cruz the lead agency in the research process. At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting we received the results of a technical feasibility study on the possibility of creating a CCE agency in our area. Here is an overview of those results.

Why Community Choice Energy?The Board of Supervisors wanted to

research the feasibility of CCE for a set of reasons:

• Local control – This would put control of electricity purchasing and pricing into local hands and allow our community to determine the type of energy mix that best serves our needs.

• Economic vitality – All local ratepayer money stays local with surplus revenues staying in the community to help fund renewable energy projects and create jobs.

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions – In our region, about half of all greenhouse gas emissions are caused by energy use. Within just a few years of establishment of a CCE, we could see a real (and measurable) reduction in local greenhouse gas emissions.

• Providing cleaner energy – Having

control over our energy supply mix means that a CCE can deliver more renewable energy options than are currently offered. Additionally, the feasibility study found that this type of renewable energy portfolio can be provided at the same (or in some cases less) rates than PG&E

What did the feasibility study show? The technical study, which included an

independent peer evaluation, looked at the benefits and challenges of creating a CCE agency. It looked at everything from the size of the program, future energy demand, resource allocation and the ability to be rate competitive with PG&E. The study looked at the impact on greenhouse gas emissions, power supply options and local job creation. Overall, the study found that the region could successfully create a CCE agency that provided cleaner energy options, at the same rates, as PG&E. Additionally, the study found that there would be greater local control on the energy mix (meaning up to 100 percent of the energy would be from renewable sources over time) and local revenues would be invested back into the local community.

Next steps There are some challenges associated

with establishing a CCE agency in our region. The first challenge is building a solid governance structure that works for all of the participating agencies and community. Second, there are market price fluctuations and regulatory uncertainty that face all energy providers — and the creation of a local CCE would be no different. On June 9 there will be a community meeting at the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chambers for a presentation on the technical study’s findings and for the community to ask questions. Similar meetings will be held in Monterey and San Benito counties. Over the next few months the working group associated with CCE will be approaching local jurisdictions to see who would like to be an early adopter of the program. The new agency could begin providing energy to residential and commercial customers as early as October 2017. Want more information? You can visit www.montereybaycca.org – or as always, if you have any questions you can call me at 454-2200.

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By NICOLE M. YOUNG, MSW

My son recently got his driver’s permit, which has tested my parenting skills. A lot. I started off as a great teacher, using several Triple P parenting strategies. The driving lessons were our quality time. I gave clear, calm instructions and modeled how to turn and brake smoothly. I gave descriptive praise for his efforts and improvements. We bonded.

It was great as long as we were in an empty parking lot going 5 miles an hour. Now that he’s driving in busy parking lots and on highways, it’s incredibly hard to remain calm and encouraging when I fear he’s going to hit something. It doesn’t help when he debates whether he was going too fast. It reminds me of the toddler years. Occasionally my emotions take over, and I abruptly end the driving lesson. While it feels better (safer) in the moment, I know it’s not an effective way to teach him this new skill. Like me, he needs to try, make mistakes and try again.

This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is raising children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have questions for a future column, email me at [email protected].

Dear Nicole,What’s the difference between discipline

and punishment? My son is 7 and throws a fit whenever he doesn’t get his way. He talks back and sometimes tries to hit me, so I take away his video games or send him to his room. My sister says I’m punishing him and am too harsh, but I thought this is how you’re supposed to discipline children. Who’s right? Luis

Dear Luis,Many people are unsure about

the difference between discipline and punishment. Did you know that “discipline” comes from the Latin word for teaching (disciplina)? Discipline is a process that teaches children about the effects of their behaviors so they learn to make better choices. Punishment is a reaction that tells children they’ve done something wrong, but doesn’t teach them what to do instead. Here are tips for using discipline effectively:

Build a positive relationship with your child. This sounds obvious, but it’s worth saying. Many parents become so busy or overwhelmed with daily life that they stop noticing what their children do well or only pay attention to “negative” behaviors. This teaches children to get their needs met by acting out, which increases parents’ frustration and attention on the negative behaviors. Some parents become so angry about their children’s behaviors that they find it hard to be affectionate and

nurturing, which intensifies the challenging behaviors.

This cycle can be interrupted with some positive parenting strategies. Giving brief, frequent quality time reassures children that they matter and that their parents are available for them. Talking, showing affection and giving descriptive praise also help strengthen relationships and prevent challenging behaviors.

Clarify your goal before responding to behaviors. The goal of punishment is to control the child, “make them pay” for misbehavior or “teach them a lesson” about disrespecting their parents. This leads to harsh or punitive words and actions that happen when everyone is stressed, frustrated or angry. This rarely leads to learning or positive relationships.

The goal of discipline is to teach children new skills, including managing feelings, thoughts and behaviors and solving problems. If this is your goal, then try the relationship-building strategies described above, before trying any discipline strategies. This is often enough to address and stop the behavior.

Use proactive, assertive discipline. Establish a few family rules with your son. Get close to him and get his attention before giving clear, calm instructions. If a family rule is broken, ask what the rule is – “What’s our rule about jumping on the couch?” – then have him practice following it – “Please show me how you

can sit on the couch.” If needed, use a logical consequence

that fits the situation, like removing an activity or object related to the problem for a short amount of time. Afterwards, return the activity or object and have your child practice following the rule or solving the problem. Or, your child may need time and space away from a situation to calm down before returning and trying again. After using any of these strategies, give descriptive praise for positive choices and behaviors.

Final Thoughts: Assertive discipline is teaching children versus punishing them, but it’s only effective when there’s a warm, loving relationship in place. When things get hard, remember Frederick Douglass’ words, “It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken (wo)men.”

•••Nicole Young is the mother of two

children, ages 12 and 16, who also manages Santa Cruz County’s Triple P - Positive Parenting Program. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5 Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency (Mental Health Services Act) and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. For information on Triple P classes and one-on-one sessions, visit triplep.first5scc.org, www.facebook.com/triplepscc or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 465-2217 or [email protected].

Ask Nicole: Using discipline effectively


MAY 2016

2016 International Night

By TONY NUNEZ

APTOS — The Aptos High Mariners had played in plenty of games like April 28’s tilt before.

High energy. High stakes. High level of play.

“We know how to finish games,” said Aptos senior setter Kolby Losik. “We know what it is to win.”

And that’s all they did through their undefeated Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League championship run, which they capped off with a 25-23, 25-23, 25-23 sweep of the Mt. Madonna Hawks.

Aptos (15-6, 14-0) was at home, literally and figuratively, against its SCCAL rival. The boys in blue shook off the early-match, senior-night nerves to take their first lead at 17-16 in Game 1 and never trailed

again en route to their second straight league championship and 24th consecutive league-game win.

Losik had 11 kills and 19 assists, his younger brother, sophomore outside Kacey Losik, had a game-high 15 kills and sophomore setter Michael Spinelli made 17 assists.

During their previous best-of-five meeting on March 22 at Mt. Madonna’s house, it was the Mariners’ tall-and-stout block which swayed the outcome in their favor. This time it was their quick-reaction digs from their backline.

Senior outside Josh Townsend led the team with nine digs — he also had 10 kills — while Aptos made 28 digs as a team.

“We just kind of played out of our minds,” said Aptos head coach Jacob Landel.

Out of their minds but definitely within themselves. The gym was packed and rocking but the Mariners kept their cool and stayed even keel.

The senior night festivities, which celebrated middle blocker Nathaniel Blount, right side Mathew Minuth, middle blocker Morgan Oberst, Townsend and Losik, sent the Mariners into an early funk and a 3-0 hole. But they quickly refocused and worked their way back into the opening game.

Aptos tied it up three times before taking

the lead. The Mariners led 23-20 before Mt.

Madonna (19-6, 12-2) came within one twice in the final five points but a huge kill from Kolby Losik clinched the Game 1 win.

“We didn’t take advantage enough early in games,” said Mt. Madonna head coach Nate Rockhold. “Especially in the first game. I think that was a big momentum shift for us.

“I think if we won that first one it might have been a different match.”

Aptos sweeps Mt. Madonna to finish undefeated in league

Aptos High’s Kacey Losik sends over one of his game-high 15 kills against the Mt. Madonna High Hawks in Aptos. The Mariners swept the Hawks 25-23, 25-23, 25-23 to finish the SCCAL season undefeated. Photo by Tony Nunez


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May 1Performance by

American Idol finalistCrystal Bowersox, finalist in the ninth season on American Idol, will be performing at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center at 320-2 Cedar St. in Santa Cruz. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. and all ages are welcome. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at Streetlight Records or online at www.pulseproductions.net.

May 6Retirement dinner for

Congressman Sam FarrThe Rotary Club of Capitola-Aptos is hosting a dinner for the retirement of Congressman Sam Farr. The celebration will take place at Seascape Resort, 1 Seascape Resort Drive in Aptos, from 5:30-9 p.m. The list of speakers includes Fred Keeley, Bruce McPherson, Jimmy Panetta, Zach Friend, and a surprise guest. The cost to attend the dinner is $150 per person and reservations must be made in advance. To RSVP contact: De Camara Management at 688-0500 or [email protected].

May 15Swing into Spring

The Aptos History Museum will be celebrating its 10th anniversary with a “Roaring 20s” themed silent auction from 3-5 p.m at the Seacliff Inn in Aptos. Dress up for a chance to win prizes for best costume. Dinner will be held at Severino’s Bar and Grill across the street from the museum. The cost of entrance for museum members is $25 and for non-members, $30.

May 18County Supervisor Candidate Forum

Candidates from Districts 1 (Soquel/Capitola/Live Oak), 2 (Freedom, Corralitos, La Selva Beach, Aptos, Capitola) and 5 (Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley) will answer questions during a forum from 7-9 p.m. at the Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave. in Santa Cruz.

May 19Capitola Art & Wine

Festival Kickoff PartyThe Capitola Art & Wine Festival begins with a toga party at Bargetto Winery in Soquel. The party takes place from 6-9 p.m and will include wine tasting from 23 different wineries as well as hors d’oeuvres provided by Barbara & Company Catering. The festivities include a silent and live auction, art auction, music by a Music Now DJ, as well as a photo booth. The cost of entrance if $40 in advance or $50 at the door. To reserve your spot, call the Capitola Chamber of Commerce at 475-652 or visit www.capitolachamber.com/events/capitola-art-wine-kickoff-party-2/.

May 24Sons in Retirement

Luncheon The Aptos Branch Sons in Retirement Luncheon will feature guest, Bryan Stow, who will speak about bullying. The luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Severino’s Bar & Grill in Aptos. For more information, call Jim at 708-4133.

May 26Book signing

A book signing for author Dolores Smithem Cicholas’s new book, “Please Don’t Call Me Charlotte,” will be held at Severino’s Bar and Grill, 7500 Old Dominion Court in Aptos, from 5-8 p.m. The book, which tells the life story of Cicholas’s mother, will be sold and anyone who purchases it on the night of the event will receive a free drink. In addition to the signing, live jazz music will be played at 6:30 p.m.

June 3Fit For the Fight

FundraiserSeascape Village Fitness & Physical Therapy in partnership with Santa Cruz Children’s Charities are hosting the 4th annual Fit For The Fight fundraiser from 7-10 p.m. at Village Fitness Center in Seascape Village. Activities will include food, dancing, The Extra Large Band, a silent auction and a raffle. Their goal is to raise $20,000 to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Children’s Charities. For tickets, donations and more information call 708-2323.

May 5Planning Commission, 7 p.m.

May 10Art & Cultural Commission, 6:30 p.m.

May 11Architectural & Site Review, 3:30 p.m.Traffic & Parking Commission, 6:30 p.m.

May 12City Council, 7 p.m.

May 17Finance Advisory Committee, 6 p.m.

Soquel Creek Water Board, 6 p.m.

May 18City Council/Successor Agency, 6 p.m.

May 25Architectural & Site Review, 3:30 p.m.

Commission on the Environment, 6 p.m.

May 26City Council, 7 p.m.

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“We serve as an information source for everyone, and they deserve the very best,” she said.

O’Driscoll was referring to the rebuilding of the Capitola and Felton branches, and the overhaul of the other aging libraries which are variously plagued by leaky roofs, busted boilers and poor plumbing.

Those projects – including the new $8 million Capitola branch – would be made possible by Measure S, a $49.50 parcel tax that will appear on the June ballot.

It would also pay for technology upgrades at all 10 branches.

Measure S has garnered support from elected officials from around the county, as well as education and law enforcement officials and hundreds of residents.

In part, the celebration was a kickoff for the measure, and library supporters must now drum up support throughout the county.

“We’ve never had a party, and this is a chance to remind people that it is a

community resource,” said Capitola Vice Mayor Stephanie Harlan.

If the measure passes muster with Santa Cruz County voters – it needs a two-thirds majority to pass – it would levy a $49.50 for single-family residential properties and $86 for commercial, agricultural or recreational parcels.

The measure includes “mandatory fiscal accountability provisions” to ensure the money is spent as described, according to the Santa Cruz County Clerk’s office.

There was no argument filed against the measure. Cynthia Rogers Spilman described her family as “absolute regulars” who come to the library at least once a week.

“(The staff) is wonderful,” she said. “They always have great recommendations, and it’s a safe place for kids.”

In addition, children who get too “rowdy” to be inside a quiet library can go outside to clamber on the outdoor play structure, Spilman said.

Library Continued from page 1

Charlotte Arnold (left) and Elizabeth Spilman, both 6, read a book to Rowdy the English Lab at the Capitola Library 16th birthday party. Photo by Todd Guild

LIFE everything Aptos, Capitola & Soquel

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