Beach Neighbors Spotlight October 2020

October 2020 Meet The Lopez Sisters! Dance Like Nobody’s Watching Connecting the Neighborhoods of East Cliff, Pleasure Point, Capitola, Soquel, Seacliff, Aptos, Rio del Mar, Seascape, La Selva, Larkin Valley and Pajaro Valley Cover Photo by Kristin Lee Vincent

Support the sponsors that make your magazine possible! Please tell them you saw them in Beach Neighbors Spotlight. Alexis Lane MD FACS Harmony Audiology Services Santa Cruz 831.688.8333 Dr. J. Ramacho-Talley 831.854.2882 Veterinary Hospital DrAlexisLane.com 831.475.5400 —————————————————— HarmonyAudiology.com —————————————————— SantaCruzVeterinary Ave Marie Memorial Hospital.com 831.724.4751 Infinite Potential For You 408.390.3878 —————————————————— AveMariaMemorialChapel.com —————————————————— InfinitiePotential4u.com Santa Cruz Museum —————————————————— SantaCruzMuseum.org Breath + Oneness Yoga —————————————————— 408.375.8850 Kristin Vincent Photo —————————————————— Sheldon Parkinsons BreathandOneness.com 831.566.7573 —————————————————— Opthalmologly for Animals 831.685.3321 Health Markets Clarks Auction Ofora.com —————————————————— 831.706.8776 —————————————————— Rogue Pies ClarksAuctions.com 831.708.2053 —————————————————— Pacific Podiatry RoguePye.com Dr. Tea Nguyen, DPM —————————————————— Feel Good Gummies 831.789.7454 831.288.3400 Your Natural Look 831feet.com 831.688.8333 CMJPacific.company.site —————————————————— —————————————————— Pacific & Santa Cuuz Vets Gym Guys 831.475.5400 408.740.5565 GymGuys.com PacificSantaCruzVet.com Connecting the Neighborhoods of East Cliff, Pleasure Point, Capitola, Soquel, Seacliff, Aptos, Rio del Mar, Seascape, La Selva, Larkin Valley and Pajaro Valley 2 | October 2020

Publication Team Dear Readers, Publisher: We have navigated through fires and smoke. Business and school closures. Distance Christine Cumming learning and completely revamping our lives in some cases. I hope we have put a higher priority on our mental and physical health to balance this all out. It is so important to Designer: continue to find joy and gratitude somewhere, even in the midst of the greatest challenges. Micalah Taylor I have found that even saying “thank you” and feeling authentic gratitude for even the simplest of things can lift our vibration... such as a fruit you bit into (think of all the people Content Coordinator: involved to bring that fruit to you) or the good tread on your tires. A friend today told me Lucinda Chrisman when she feels frustrated in traffic, she reminds herself to consciously find kind words she can say to other drivers in her head, like “nice paint job” or “you must have something really Contributing Photographer: crucial to get to, hope it turns out well!” Small but easy habit to get in to, and it can make Kristin Lee Vincent worlds of difference on our thoughts. And that’s where our realities come from after all; they start with our thoughts. Wishing you beautiful thoughts as we go in to October and I expect to see a lot of fun costumes filling my social media feeds this month!! Even if we don’t party en mass, we can still make Halloween fun in so many ways! Lucinda Chrisman Content Coordinator Advertising Information Inside If you are interested in reaching the neighborhoods of West Santa Cruz, East Meet The Lopez Sisters!.................................................................................................. 4 Cliff, Pleasure Point, Capitola, Soquel, HIIT It at Home............................................................................................................... 10 Seacliff, Aptos, Rio del Mar, Seascape, Fall Pumpkin Soup........................................................................................................ 11 La Selva, Larkin Valley and Pajaro Valley October Moon Phases................................................................................................ 11 Beyond the Caramel................................................................................................... 12 Contact: Christine Cumming Pet of the Month.......................................................................................................... 13 Email: [email protected] Video Call Etiquette..................................................................................................... 14 Phone: 831 588-7767 Submissions Information Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Important Phone Numbers Deadline for submissions is the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com The following numbers are non-emergen- and click Submit Content. You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: cy numbers for the police and fire depart- ments serving our area. [email protected]. POLICE DEPARTMENT Tea Nguyen, DPM Santa Cruz County Sheriff...........662-0690 Foot, Ankle & Wound Specialist Highway Patrol.............................662-0511 Capitola Police............................475-4242 offering minimally invasive foot surgery. Smaller incisions, FIRE DEPARTMENT Faster Recovery. Aptos/La Selva.............................685-6690 Capitola / Central........................479-6842 Pacific Point Podiatry, Inc 243 Green Valley Rd #A, Freedom, CA 95019 LIBRARY Aptos.............................................427-7702 831-288-3400 | 831feet.com Capitola........................................427-7705 Live Oak Library............................... 427-7711 October 2020 | 3 Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

ThSeisLtoepMreseze!t Dance Like Nobody’s Watching By Lucinda Chrisman Photos By Kristin Lee Vincent 4 | October 2020

The feeling of community we have, where we live, can make all the difference in how we experience our lives. The Lopez sisters, with their mom Micaela Martinez, 65, have lived throughout Santa Cruz and absolutely love the Soquel neighborhood where they are now; they feel deeply connected and rooted here. They all have their own households now that the sisters are grown up, but they all continue to congregate where their mom’s October 2020 | 5

Ask us about our Tuition Assistance Program 425 ENCINAL ST. house is off North Rodeo Gulch Rd, and spend a lot of joyous SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060 time together. 831-423-0658 “It's always been the three of us, and it always will be,” says the KIRBY.ORG younger sister, Yvette, who is turning 33 this November. “We will always be there for each other.” Discover the Difference of an Independent School Education. The older sister, Micaela Lopez, now 43 and who goes by Micky, was born in Los Angeles from parents who immigrated from Mexico. World-class College Prep • Classes Averaging 12 Yvette was born 10 years later, after the family had been living in Students • Inspiring Faculty • Caring Community Panama where their dad was stationed in the military. Eventually 6 | October 2020 their parents had grown apart, so as their mother considered returning to LA, teenage Micky made a case for the family to go try Santa Cruz, where aunts and uncles were living. Their mother was onboard with the idea, feeling that it could be a better place to raise her two daughters. Micky finished up her freshman year in Panama and then joined her mom and sister. Yvette was 4 at the time, and Micky was 14, entering her sophomore year at Santa Cruz High School where both girls graduated. While growing up, the family has lived in various areas of Santa Cruz but it’s the Soquel neighborhood they have dug roots in ever since moving there in 2002 after Micaela remarried Ray Polanco. Ray

has worked for Santa Cruz Metro and since retired after 27 years. love the multicultural diversity we have in our community. I’ve lived Micky’s husband, Mario Torres, grew up on Old San Jose Road, all over Santa Cruz and this is my favorite place!” attended Mountain School. After they married in 2009, Micky and Mario moved to Florida for a short time for something new, but it Micky is involved in Mateo’s school and assists with non-English didn’t feel right. They had a strong connection to the west coast and learners and translating. She has been on the board of the Santa soon returned here to their families and friends in Soquel/Capitola. Cruz Children’s Museum and worked with them to find their current location in the mall. She currently works for the Santa Yvette and her boyfriend Josh live in Soquel with their 11-year- Cruz County Planning Department, and says her job in the housing old cat Milo, who has been with Yvette since he was a kitten. The department is very rewarding as she gets to help people purchase couple work together at a local pool and spa company where Josh their first home. Mario has worked for the Santa Cruz County Metro is a manager and Yvette is the accounts receivable manager. They for 15 years. When not working, they love hiking, mountain biking, enjoy hiking on the weekends and finding new trails on the coastal cooking food with their families, and taking walks to nearby Capitola beaches and remarkable redwoods throughout Santa Cruz. One Beach. They also love going to museums with Mateo, and traveling of their favorite go-to spots is Henry Cowell State Park. Yvette is to Tahoe or Big Sur. Their loving French bulldog, Rocky Beau, joined attending Cabrillo College where her studies are in human services. their family a year ago and has become quite a playmate for Mateo. She is actively involved in many organizations that promote unity and community. She had a valuable experience while doing an Ultimately, this move to Santa Cruz 29 years ago was a game- internship at the Walnut Avenue Women’s Center; she was trained changer for their mother, Micaela, who works as a caregiver. The to be an advocate for kids from homes with domestic violence and sisters describe her as a vibrant and loving woman who will dance found it to be “intense” as well as rewarding. Yvette is excited to anywhere, any time. pursue her new journey and aspires to be a counselor working within Santa Cruz county. “Since being in Santa Cruz, I feel like I’ve seen a new person. She has just opened up, she talks to people everywhere, and she dances all Micky and Mario’s son, Mateo, is in 5th grade at Soquel Elementary. the time. It’s like she’s been reborn!” says Micky. He dances with the Senderos Folklorico group, takes piano lessons, enjoys mountain biking, and boogie boarding. The family loves his They feel her positive and uplifting energy has rubbed off on school and teachers; they sing praises about the community they are them too. all a part of. “It just seems like music is always playing with our family, and we “Our kids all get along, and it’s a really friendly, happy, open place, might randomly start dancing at any time,” smiles Yvette. “If we had with so many great families, right where we are,” says Micky. “Plus, I a family motto it could probably be ‘dance like nobody's watching!’” Overwhelmed BIGSwim withthe by your Fish Medicare options? OveIrcwanhheellpmyoeudfinbdyayopluarn that’s MreigdhticfoarrYeOUoapntdioYOnUsR?BUDGET. I canFhoerlppyeorusfoinndaalipzeladn stheartv’sice call right for Y8O3U a1nd-5YO6UR6B-U7DG5ET7. 3 For personalized service call 831-566-7573 Sheldon Parkinson Contact the Publisher of this magazine for Licensed Insurance Agent OF18960 more information. This is an advertisement. Not all agents are October 2020 | 7 licensed to sell all products. Service and pHrModIAuc0t0a1v5Sa9ih3labeililtdy voarnies Pbyastratke.inson Licensed Insurance Agent 0F18960 This is an advertisement. Not all agents are licensed

The sisters love spending time with their mom. They have realized and inclusive to all who make the move to Santa Cruz, to show the that the older they get, the more they gravitate towards her, connection of community that the family had received on always embracing the quality time spent together. A joyful feeling their arrival. permeates this family, including Micaela’s sisters and nieces who live locally. Extended family gatherings are music and kid-filled. “We found our niche here,” smiles Micky about their neighborhood Since Micky arrived here as a teenager, she knows the challenge in Soquel. “We know people wherever we go, it’s where so many it can be to mesh with people who had been in school together good things have happened for us all. So we love to help others feel since Kindergarten. She feels that it’s important to be welcoming included and connected in this community. It has treated us well!” Our doors may be closed, but the outdoors are always open. Free online activities, events, videos, and resources SANTACRUZMUSEUM.ORG GIVE THE GIFT OF NATURE Become a Museum Member Today Members receive exclusive access to events and discounts in our online store 8 | October 2020

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at [email protected]  October 2020 | 9

HIIT It at Home By Ericka Jones Are you in need of some 40 speed skaters (each side) serious cardio? High Intensity 40 curtsy lunges (20 each side) Interval Training (HIIT) 40 switch lunges workouts are meant to bring 40 squats your heartrate to its peak and burn some serious calories. 1-minute rest Grab a water bottle and get ready to sweat! 20 Spiderman push-ups 50 seconds plank 20 burpees 20 one-legged tricep dips 50 jumping jacks (each side) 20 star jumps 50 mountain climbers 50 jump squats Repeat three times 1-minute rest 10 | October 2020

RECIPE CORNER COMMUNITY CORNER Fall Pumpkin Soup October Moon Phases By Nicole St. Lawrence By Robert Cumming This soup brings the taste of fall into your kitchen, hitting all the warm notes of the season. Prep time: 10 minutes Calories per serving: 300 Cook time: 15 minutes Serves: 4 Serving size: 1 cup Ingredients: • 1 cup diced onion • 1 large can pumpkin puree 29oz • 2 garlic cloves • 1 can coconut milk 13.5oz • ½ teaspoon grated ginger • 1 cup vegetable broth • 1 tbsp olive oil Seasonings/ Spices: • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • ¼ teaspoon cayenne • ½ teaspoon nutmeg • salt and pepper • ½ teaspoon turmeric * Topping: • Pure maple syrup Directions: 1. Chop up onion, mince garlic, peel and grate ginger. 2. Put 3-quart pot on medium heat. 3. Add olive oil, onion, garlic, ginger, with salt and pepper to taste. 4. Once onions begin to brown add vegetable broth. 5. Add pumpkin puree, stir. 6. Shake coconut milk in can then add to pot. 7. Put soup on lowest heat to keep warm! Time to spice it up! • Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves • Cayenne brings some heat to are the fall flavors. the soup. • Turmeric is anti-inflammatory • Add salt and pepper to taste To top it off: Drizzle pure maple syrup for some fall sweetness! * Turmeric is known to stain. Please be cautious of the surface area and utensils used while cooking with this spice. *  October 2020 | 11

Beyond the Caramel: A NEW IDEA FOR APPLE SEASON By Beth Grusenski Fall brings many beautiful and delicious things into our SLICED APPLES WITH PUMPKIN world and our homes. At the top of the list, perhaps, (right CREAM DIP behind fall foliage) are apples. Whether you prefer them crunchy or cooked, sweet or tart, the options are many! An • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream absolutely delightful way to enjoy them is with other fall • 1/2 cup of cream cheese or Neufchatel flavors (pumpkin being a fan favorite). Here is a new and • 2 Tbsp sweetener (powdered sugar, maple syrup or easy idea for an apple/pumpkin mix that is great for an after-school snack, a dessert, a family movie night, or a honey) fall gathering. • 1 tsp vanilla • 1 tsp cinnamon • 1/2 can pumpkin puree or 1 cup fresh pumpkin puree • Eating apple(s) of your choice Whisk together all ingredients with an electric mixer on low until well blended. Then, turn the mixer to high until the mixture thickens (think whipped cream). Slice apples and serve. Additional suggestions for dipping: vanilla wafers, pecans, unsalted crackers. AveFD438 Maria Memorial Chapel Pajaro Valley Memorial Park At Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, we do our utmost to make every offers: service unique. Preneed and at-neeed arrangments A wide selection of burial sites A personalized service touches families and friends and celebrates a life well lived. We are always inspired by Contact us at: 831-724-4751 the beautiful examples we have seen and will be we’re available 24 / 7 happy to share some of them with you. Committed to serving families’ We’re the only Family Owned Memorial Park in cemetery needs for over 60 years. Santa Cruz County (831) 724-4751 • www.avemariamemorialchapel.com • 609 Main St, Watsonville, CA 95076 12 | October 2020

Pet of the Month Jack & DeeDee By Jill Ganley, Foster & Volunteer Coordinator ID#A255198 & A255197 October 2020 | 13 Jack (A255197) & DeeDee (A255198) Jack and his best friend DeeDee are looking for a home to spend their golden years in. They are both around 9 years old and rat terrier mixes. Don't let their age fool you - these two still enjoy going for walks and adventuring around. But they also are professional cuddlers once they get some energy out. Jack and DeeDee came to the shelter when their previous owner was unable to properly care for them. They are now in foster enjoying love and attention until they find their forever home! They are described as very well behaved and little shadows to their foster parents. They are fairly low maintence and are just looking to be companions to their people. They have meet other small dogs and mingled around with them in a very appropriate way. Another dog in the home would be appropriate for these guys provided they meet at the shelter and get along. Respectful children who understand that these two are on the older side may also be appropriate. Jack and Deedee may be able to live with a cat provided there is a slow and careful introduction as well as management. We are currently doing adoptions by appointment only. Applications must be submitted and landlord permission or proof of home ownership received prior to arranging a meet. See more information here: https://www.scanimalshelter. org/adoption-application-fees/# or call 831-454-7200 x0 during business hours.

VIDEO CALL ETIQUETTE By Madison Farkas More people than ever are using video conferencing platforms 4. DRESS APPROPRIATELY for work, school and social visits. While it is very different from in-person communication, there are some basic etiquette You might be able to get away with lounging in your PJs for most guidelines that should still be followed, especially in professional of a workday at home with no one the wiser. When it’s time for and academic settings. a video call with your coworkers, though, remember that you’re still in a professional setting, and the rules for attire still apply. 1. KNOW WHEN TO MUTE YOURSELF Taking the time to dress professionally also puts you in the appropriate mindset. Also, it’s nice to keep some routine and There’s nothing more distracting on a conference call than structure in background noise. Generally, it’s best to keep yourself muted your day. most of the time, turning on your microphone only when you speak. This is especially 5. KEEP AN EYE ON helpful on large group calls since some YOUR MENTAL HEALTH platforms don’t allow the host to mute participants. Just remember to “unmute” I completely understand that extended your microphone when it’s your turn… video calls can be stressful. There’s and avoid the dreaded chorus of “You’re something about the lack of real eye muted!” contact, the constant talking over each other, and the dearth of natural lags and 2. LEAVE YOUR VIDEO ON pauses in the conversation that I find very taxing. Employers, be aware of how much A business leader I know recently you’re asking of your employees. Try to told me that, to the person limit the number hours you expect your running the call, disabling your team to “meet” in a week. Remember to video is equivalent to sitting at schedule breaks. Employees, it’s okay to step a boardroom table with a paper back from extended video social visits when bag over your head. The host you need to. If conference calls are getting to be wants to see your face (if nothing too much, let your employer know. else) to avoid feeling like they’re shouting into a void. It’s basic respect to show that you’re paying attention when someone is presenting. If staring at your own face is distracting or uncomfortable, I find it helpful to disable the self-view function. Also, unless you absolutely must, avoid eating on camera; many people find that awkward as well. 3. BE MINDFUZL OF YOUR BACKGROUND If you don’t have a dedicated home office, at least find somewhere to sit that is clean, tidy and reasonably professional. You don’t want to be the one who ends up plastered all over the internet because of dirty laundry, inappropriate posters or even a snoring spouse in the background. This also holds true for lighting: avoid sitting in front of an open window so your fellow participants aren’t blinded and can actually see you. 14 | October 2020

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