Aptos High School Sports Inside Page B1

Hushaw on Page A3

Restaurant FeatureBi� ersweet BistroPage B5

Home on Page A2

Merchants on Page A2

JANUARY 2013

******ECRW

SSEDD

M******

POSTA

L CU

STOM

ERA

PTOS, C

A 95003

PRSRT STDU

.S. POSTA

GE PA

IDPERM

IT NO

. 23

Monthly publication

dedicated to covering everything in A

ptos CA

.

Hunger FighterAptos BirthsAt Dominican Hospital:FUGATE

November 16 at 3:17 a.m. to Leah Rose Malsbury-Fugate and Richard Thomas Fugate of Aptos, a 7-pound, 12-ounce boy, Aksel Brian.

SCHILLINGNovember 17 at 1:01 a.m. to

Ruth Lillian Bentley and Craig Stuart Schilling of Aptos, a 7-pound boy, Micah Stuart.

MCMILLENNovember 24 at 6:22 p.m. to Chel-

sea Ann Phillips and Brian Douglas McMillen of Aptos, an 8-pound, 6-ounce boy, Wyatt Douglas.

TURNERDecember 1 at 3:05 p.m. to

Danielle Elizabeth and Tyler Al-len Turner of Aptos, a 7-pound 9-ounce boy, Urijah Allen.

Aptos High School Sports Inside Page B1

Aptos Life

Tour the oldest house in Aptos on Jan. 22By ROSEANN HERNANDEZOf Aptos Life

APTOS — There is a whole lot of his-tory to be found in Aptos, in spite of it being such a seemingly small place.

There is the Bayview Hotel, original-ly called the Anchor House and built by Jose Arano, the son-in-law of Aptos Rancho owner Rafael de Jesus Castro in 1878. Nearby is the Hihn Apple Packing Plant (now Village Fair Antiques) built in 1890, and even Sushi on the Run, locat-ed on the site of the fi rst school in Aptos, built in 1871.

Now you can take a walk back in time and learn about the two oldest buildings in Aptos — and the families that built them.

On Jan. 22, as part of the Aptos History Museum’s Dining for History series, you can take a tour of the oldest building in Aptos — the former home of Jose Ara-no, who later went by “Joseph” — and learn all about the Castro House, origi-nally built by Castro’s son Vicente in the mid 1870s, and on its way to becoming a community center for the Aptos Blue af-fordable housing development currently under construction.

Complementary wine will be served as you tour Arano’s former home, which also served as a general store for a spell. Built in 1860 and located on the site of the original Aptos village, the house still serves as a private residence and is cur-rently occupied.

The original home of Vicente Castro, a prominent rancher and orchardist, the Castro House was added to the Santa Cruz County Historic Resources Inven-tory in 2001 for its association with the rancho period in Santa Cruz history and

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZOf Aptos Life

APTOS — While local high school students get ready to hunker down and settle into a cozy rou-tine of hanging out with friends and family during winter break, one Aptos teen will be spending her vacation planning a ski and snowboarding compe-tition — all in the name of charity.

Aptos High School student and snowboard-er Marissa Hushaw, 15, will be putting the fi nal touches on Marissa Hushaw’s Second Annual Grind Out Hunger Rail Jam at China Peak — tak-ing place on Feb. 9.

“It is such a great event,” Hushaw said, her blue eyes twinkling as she described the competition that will benefi t Grind Out Hunger, a hunger-awareness organization created through partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.

“We got Skull Candy and Roxy to sponsor it this year – which is so sick,” she said.

Hushaw is passionate about her work with Grind Out Hunger, which began just a year ago after she attended a school assembly where Grind Out Hun-ger founder Danny Keith spoke.

“He has such a way connecting with kids — he knows how to talk to them,” Hushaw said.

When Keith asked the Aptos High School stu-dents to look around to their friends and think about one of them going hungry — something clicked inside Hushaw.

“One in four goes hungry? And I went ‘whoa’ – that’s kind of crazy.”

That moment made Hushaw remember a time when she was about 8 years old and went with her aunt and uncle to volunteer at a food bank in Fres-no.

Suddenly what she was hearing in the assem-bly, coupled with her early memory of being at the food bank made her realize what she wanted to do.

Marissa Hushaw of Aptos, a rising snowboarding star, is on a campaign to help Grind Out Hunger. Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

She wanted to help.So she went to the Santa Cruz Skate and Surf

Shop in Capitola — what would later become the offi cial Grind Out Hunger Headquarters — and asked if there was anything she, as a snowboarder, could do to help.

The rest, they say, is history.Hushaw is now one of the organization’s most

passionate Hunger Fighters, a vocal advocate that

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZOf Aptos Life

APTOS—Two public information meetings regarding the future development of the Rancho del Mar Shopping Center took place earlier this month.

Held by Safeway, which purchased the shopping center in February, the meetings included a tour of the Safeway store in Aptos — highlighting the cramped interiors — to demonstrate the need for the proposed expansion of the grocery store from its current 35,000 square feet to just under 60,000 square feet.

The two sessions were well-attended and helped people understand the issues in terms of the layout and functionality of the existing site, said Charles Eadie, principal associate at Hamilton, Swift & Associates, local land use consultants hired by Safeway.

“It’s part of an ongoing process of outreach into the community,” Eadie said, adding they will prob-ably continue to hold such small-scale meetings in January and February.

A larger community meeting will be scheduled once Safeway gets closer to submitting its devel-opment application to the county, Eadie said.

Eadie said the designs of the large-scale con-struction project, which will entail the closing of at least 13 tenant businesses, have been refi ned since the last community design workshop in August, Eadie said, adding Safeway has also been working

on the interior design of the grocery store.The proposed development continues to be a

hotbed issue for the Aptos community, as shop-ping center businesses grapple with an uncertain future.

Kaeng Lee, owner of Baskin-Robbins and Le Chef Kitchen & More in the shopping center, said that as a small-business owner he did not think there was much he could do and just hopes and prays that whatever the outcome, that Safeway may help or compensate them in some way for their move.

“But I haven’t heard anything from Safeway,” Lee said.

Lee has met with the Central Coast Small Busi-ness Development Center at Cabrillo College — which is using a $50,000 grant from Safeway to help shopping center businesses explore their op-tions — a few times but he said nothing has really come out of it.

For businesses that will be displaced during con-struction, a new location in Aptos appears hard to come by.

“In Aptos, its almost impossible,” Lee said, add-ing that since Baskin-Robbins is part of a chain, he can’t just move anywhere because of territory rights.

Plus, because it is a restaurant, all supplies are built into the location and once you move out , you take a loss, Lee explained.

“And once you move out, you have to borrow a

Rancho del Mar merchants not satisfi ed with Safeway’s assurances

Britannia Arms in Aptos closes

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZOf Aptos Life

APTOS — After two years of struggling in a weak economy, the Britannia Arms in Aptos has closed its doors for good.

Since 1985, the English pub pro-vided a welcoming space where patrons could enjoy a plate of hearty English fare — fi sh and chips, bangers and mash and a traditional “fry-up” served with backside bacon — just like any good London cafe would, while enjoying a pint of beer.

But rent increases, ongoing main-tenance to the building, which Bri-tannia Arms was responsible for, coupled with decreased customer traffi c, made it impossible for owner Andy Hewitt to continue.

“The rent was far too high for the current economy. We were strug-gling for two years to make it work,” Hewitt said. “We are victims of the economy.”

Hewitt said the Aptos location became just “too big” to sustain and “people just stopped coming.”

“The building has a lot of charm, but it needed a lot of maintenance,” Hewitt said.

Many of the Aptos staff have been shifted to the Britannia Arms Capi-tola location, Hewitt said.

Britannia Arms in Capitola is at 110 Monterey Avenue, on the Es-planade.

“Capitola is doing really well — it is more of a workable size,” Hewitt said, adding that all of the fun events they did in Aptos such as trivia nights and live music are all happening in Capitola.

Yet there may be a silver lining for pub-goers in Aptos.

Hewitt said he may be interested in going back if “a little place opens up” in the village as part of the Ap-tos Village Project, which is set to add 75,000 square feet of commer-cial space in the heart of the village.

The project, which is more than a decade in the making and carries out the directives set in the Aptos Village Plan, has a tentative ground-break-ing set for next year.

“I just want to thank all the cus-tomers we’ve had over the years,” Hewitt said.

A2 - Aptos Life - January 2013 www.AptosLife.com

Merchants Continued from page A1

EVERYTHING APTOS

P�-�Jeremy BurkeG�M�-�Victoria NelsonA�P�-�Brad Koyak

E�-�Tom DunlapE

Erik Chalhoub, Todd GuildTarmo Hannula, Roseann Hernandez

Glenn Cravens, Laura Ness

P�-�Tarmo HannulaA�M - Jeanie Johnson

A�STina Chavez, Susie RonzanoJessica Woods, Jillian Hogan

P - Daryl NelsonD�-�Jeremy Burke & Brad Koyak

Aptos Life is published monthly. All rights reserved, material may not be reprinted

without wri� en consent from the publisher. Aptos Life made every eff ort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in

this publication, but assumes no responsibil-ity for errors, changes or omissions. Aptos Life is a division of the Register-Pajaornian

and Life Capitola/Soquel. Publishing in Santa Cruz County since 1894.

C�UAptos Life

7605-B Old Dominion Ct. Aptos, CA 95003 (located in the Aptos

History Museum)877-694-9048

info@aptoslife.comT���

!

Home Continued from page A1

couple hundred thousand to start up again, and its hard now to get a new business loan,” Lee said.

Terry Foltz, owner of Aptos Burger, said he realistically had two options: relocate, which is very costly, or close out and go out of business.

“We do not have the resources to make our transition easier, and Safeway is not communicating any type of timeline,” Foltz said, adding he chose not to sign a one-year lease extension, which would have come with a rent increase.

Foltz admitted that by not signing the extension it puts his business at risk. But to him the risk was preferable to being stuck at the shopping center in case a new location presented itself.

“Being month to month is not so bad — it gives us a little bit of power,” he said.

Foltz said he has talked to a few property owners in Soquel and Watsonville who are receptive to small businesses.

“I feel some relief that there may be some place to go — but there is no guarantee,” Folz said.

“Especially when you go to a new area – you have to build up the clientele.”

Rodney Hoffer, owner of Ace Hardware and a vocal opponent of the proposed devel-opment, said he had hoped Safeway would try to be a partner in the whole thing, rather than a “dictator.”

“But they hold all the cards — what can a small business do?” Hoffer asked.

“They can tell me how to work Excel and attend a seminar, but what I need is a home with a future,” Hoffer said.

its distinctive representation of Colonial Re-vival residential architecture.

The Castro House is currently closed to visitors for renovations. The event includes dinner at Au Midi restaurant, and the special guest speaker is Dick Garwood.

Proceeds from Dining for History events go to support the Aptos History Museum, which will be celebrating its seven-year an-niversary at its current location in May.

“This Old House x2” is on Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. The cost is $45 for museum members

and $50 for non-members (beverage and tip not included).

To reserve your spot, call the Aptos Histo-ry Museum at 688-1467.

DO YOU HAVE OR NEED A

Medicare Supplement? Turning 65 soon?Losing Group Insurance?

Don’t Pay More Than You Need To!

Know ALL your options. We offer plans that give you the FREEDOM to keep your doctors and choose ANY DOCTOR

that accepts Medicare!

Review Drug plans and New Health Plans with Lower Premiums

We Make it Easy for You!We are an independent agency representing California’s major

insurance carriers.

We Do Not Charge a Fee!Our office is located in the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center above

the Aptos Cinema.Our goal is to help you find the health plan

that fits your needs and budget.We provide a free and friendly service.

CALL TODAY for your free in-home or office consultation

INDEPENDENT—EXPERIENCED—KNOWLEDGEABLE

SENIOR BENEFITS INSURANCE SERVICES134 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos CA 95003

Serving Residence in Santa Cruz County Since 2000

Bill Weber

Lic. #0D14246 Kenneth Cook

Insurance Services

Lic. #0E46549

CALL TODAY

831-661-0700To speak with your local licensed insurance agent

The Castro House in an undated � le photo. Contributed

Aptos Life - January 2013 - A3 www.AptosLife.com

Hushaw Continued from page A1

is not only putting on the ski and snowboard competition at China Peak, but putting her name to merchandise and a campaign that has raised close to $10,000 in less than a year.

“I love going to the food bank and seeing all the food and knowing where it is all going,” said Hushaw.

But it is not just about hunger, Hushaw said, it’s about good nutrition, too.

“It’s so easy to go and spend a dollar at Mc-Donalds – but it’s about treating your body right.”

Before she became a Hunger Fighter, Hushaw said it was easy to pass by the little donation canisters and not give it a second thought.

But now she said, “I don’t think Grind Out Hunger ever leaves my mind,” and encourages other young adults to fi nd their passion and get involved.

“Your passion could be helping kids in Af-rica – everyone has their own,” she said. “Ever since I started doing this, I wake up and feel good about myself; I am helping people.”

Hushaw said that kids can get so consumed

by video games and media – or “zoned out” on their phones – but believes if you just ask kids to help and get to them where they are – whether that be on social media or via mass messaging, they will do it.

And there are tons of things young volun-teers can do.

If they do not feel comfortable physically talking to people – they can be “keyboard war-riors,” said Hushaw.

Remarkably confi dent and at ease with those she has just met – Hushaw said it took a while for her to be comfortable with all of the attention that came with her rise as a snow-boarder and her work with Grind Out Hunger.

She said her friends still tease her about the fi rst PSA she did as a Hunger Fighter, which you can still fi nd on Youtube.

“They say – why do you look so angry? I was just scared.”

The high school sophomore said she is sur-prised that with all her extracurricular activi-ties she still manages to get good grades – but concedes that it just may be her volunteerism, which has put her into contact with new good

friends and an extended support network that has helped her to continue to do so well in school.

As for the future, this Hunger Fighter, wants to graduate from high school and attend Sierra

Nevada College where she can pursue a de-gree in Business and Resort Management.

Oh, and become a pro snowboarder, too.

Photos courtesy Michael Hurshaw.

ENHANCE YOUR LIFE IN 2013!

Top 10 Reasons to Join Seascape Sports Club1. Seascape offers over 50 weekly group exercise classes

2. Regular exercise cuts ricks of death from heart disease by 50%

3. Seascape has a state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center

4. Regular exercise promotes leaner, healthier, wealthier lifestyle

5. Seascape’s junior Olympic size lap pool is heated year round

6. Regular exercise builds brain cells and brain power

7. Seascape has more tennis players, tennis teams and tennis events.

8. Playing tennis provides valuable interval training (On Our Hard or Clay Courts)

9. Seascape has more junior programs (+Junior Activity Center Under Construction)

10. NEW MEMBERS RECEIVE THREE MONTHS FREE DUES*

Seascape Sports Club • 1505 Seascape Blvd. •Aptos • (831) 688-1993 • www.SeascapeSportsClub.com

*Restrictions apply (Offer Ends 1/31/2013)

Your dental visit should be a comfortable and relaxing experience where you’re treated with

dignity and respect. We offer exceptional sedation and relaxation services for those of you who are

apprehensive or afraid .

www.CreekViewDentistry.com

First Time offer!Free Sedation with any major Dental

Treatment

New Patients WelcomeWe Offer State-of-the-art Dentistry Services for the Entire Family

• General & Family Dentistry• Oral and IV Sedation Dentistry

• Cosmetic & Smile Makeover• Dental Implants

• Invisalign Invisible Braces/Orthodontics

Call Today:688.6531

Dr. Heidari & Dr. Moradi

“

”

A4 - Aptos Life - January 2013 www.AptosLife.com

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZOf Aptos Life

APTOS—The ladies of the Seascape Sports Club came out in support of Toys For Tots during a fun afternoon of good food, great company and fabulous fashion.

Fully immersed in the holiday spirit, the club was adorned with decorated Christ-mas trees and beautifully wrapped presents and stuffed toys on their way to children in need.

The event — which over the last seven years transformed from a simple ladies lun-cheon to a full-scale fundraiser with more than 50 women participating — featured a non-competitive tennis tournament, where the ladies dressed in their favorite holi-day-themed outfits, a luncheon with hor d’oeuvres and a fashion show.

Volunteer Tammi Brown made sure the 10 models looked their best in the latest styles from Cinnamon Bay and Chic Bou-tique, handpicked by owner Heysa Janssen.

Julie Kellman, owner of Seascape Foods, helped put on the delicious spread, and Club Manager Patti Long helped coordi-nate the event along with club owners Paul and Winnie Kepler and Kristen Ferlito, club member.

In honor of their many years supporting

Seascape Fitness Club holds annual Toys For Tots fundraiser

Toys For Tots, Aptos/La Selva Fire District Chief Terpstra presented the all-volunteer event organizers with an official recogni-tion during the day’s festivities.

Above: �re�ghters from the Aptos and La Selva Beach Fire Departments were on hand load-ing the donated toys. Below: Chief Terpstra presents a certi�cate to Tammi Brown for their e�orts for Toys for Tots. Photos by Jeremy Burke/Aptos Life

Offer expires 1/31/13

688-5892www.aonedoor.com

GARAGE DOOR TUNE-UP

$7900*Carriage House Doors extra. Saves on wear ‘n tear on door & opener.

We Also Repair & Service Gates & Gate Openers

per door

Dentistry for Infants, Children, Teens & OrthodonticsMore than 30 years experience in providing gentle children’s dental care

230 Green Valley RoadFreedom831-722-9202

Check out our website!www.dental4kids.com

Marc L. Grossman, D.D.S.James B. Smith, D.D.S.

Most insurance plans welcomeIncluding Blue Cross, Delta Dental & Delta’s Healthy Families

Aptos Life - January 2013 - A5 www.AptosLife.com

By Zach Friend

Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in your community? Do you have a professional or academic special-ty or maybe just a passion for a subject? Consider seeking appointment to a county commission, committee or advisory body.

County advisory bodies play a key role in providing advice to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in subjects as varied as public safety, the environment and the arts, seniors and youth issues, housing and more. In fact, the board appoints local res-idents to more than 40 advisory bodies.

Some of these advisory bodies are state mandates, but the majority were estab-lished by previous boards to ensure our community has a voice and involvement in local governmental decisions. Each ad-visory body has its own time commitment, with some meeting occasionally and some meeting nearly as often the Board of Su-pervisors.

All play an important role in taking an in-depth look at policy concerns facing our county and keeping the board connected with these issues.

How do you apply for appointment?The County of Santa Cruz website

(www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us) maintains a link with information on all of the adviso-ry bodies, including the specific openings for our district. Some appointments are at-large appointments, meaning any member of the board can nominate an appointee, while some are specific to residents of our geographic district.

Lastly, some appointees are required to represent particular groups (such as seniors or the disabled community). In all cases,

the entire Board of Supervisors takes ac-tion to appoint the applicant at a regular board meeting.

If you are interested in learning more about a particular advisory body, there is contact information and detailed informa-tion about the body via the county website. Specifically, from the main webpage click on the “government” tab and then “com-missions, committees and advisory bod-ies.”

If, after Jan. 7 (when I officially take of-fice) you have any additional questions that you can’t find on the website, please feel free to contact our office and we will help you with the information. Thank you for taking an interest in serving on a local ad-visory body!

Want to serve on a commi�ee? Here’s how

ZACH FRIENDSanta Cruz County Board of Supervisors

Aptos Village Way wins street-naming contestBy TOM DUNLAPOf Aptos Life

APTOS — Ellen Pirie, the outgoing Sec-ond District Santa Cruz County Supervisor, declared a winner in the name-a-street-in-Aptos contest.

“The winner is Aptos Village Way,” Pirie stated in an email.

The new street will be part of the Aptos Village Project. It will be built between Ap-tos Creek and Trout Gulch roads and run parallel to and north of Soquel Drive. The other nominees were Rafael Castro, Saw-mill Road, Apple Barn Street or a name of your choice.

Voting was done at community events and online during the past month.

“Aptos Village Way” was the clear win-ner with twice as many votes as each of the other choices. More than 430 votes were cast. Community members also suggest-ed names such as Bike Jump Place, Steve

Colbert Street and Aldrich Lane, in honor of Lucille Aldrich who started the Aptos Fourth of July Parade.

“Pirie Place” was also suggested. “No, absolutely not!,” Pirie stated in an

email. “I want to thank all those who took the

time to vote,” she stated. “And I’m pleased that there was a clear first choice.”

Road names are usually suggested by the developer and then approved by emergency service personnel to ensure the name is not duplicated elsewhere in the county. Pirie wanted the community involved in the se-lection, just as the community was involved in the creation of the Aptos Village Plan.

“Historians Sandy Lydon and Carolyn Swift helped narrow the list of names,” Pi-rie stated.

For information, visit www.co.san-ta-cruz.ca.us/AptosVillageStreetNaming-Ballot.aspx.

Creating Young Adults• Ballroom Dancing

• Dining Etiquette • Social Courtesies• Conversation Skills • Dress for Success

Cotillion Classes Held at

Best Western Seacliff Inn

in Aptos• Build Confi dence in Social Skills

• Fun & Friendly Classes for Grades 5-12

• Friends & Family: $10.00 Rebate

• Semi-private lessons available

“Makes a Fun Party!”

Parents receive25% Off dinner at Severino’s

while your child attends class

Class size is limited – reserve now!

Mariann Eichhorn, 831.688.5678www.centralcoastcotillion.com

OPEN ENROLLMENT ELECTION PERIOD

C. Tuosto Insurance ServicesChris Tuosto

tuostoinsurance@sbcglobal.net

Soquel

From HWY 1 take Park Ave turn off (Exit 436)

Park

Ave

* 590

5

5905 Soquel #550Soquel CA 95073831 464-2111

Let’s work together to understand your Medicare options. You have the freedom to choose your Doctors and take advantage of

new opportunities to save.

I work with various companies. My career started in 1986. I have been working in this county sense 1989 serving clients and their families. My offi ce is located at the Soquel Park Professional building. I work with clients by appointment in my offi ce, where I can better assist you. My disability has impaired my ability to walk very far. I walk with two canes.Now that you know a little bit about me I would appreciate your business and welcome you to my offi ce.

Chris Tuosto

MEDICARE* New Healthcare

options* HMO Plans

*Supplement plans

HOME HEALTH CARE

*Assisted Living plans

DRUG SOLUTIONS*Prescription plans

License # 0710982

E-mail me at tuostoinsurance@sbcglobal.netVisit my website at www.ctuostoinsuranceservices.com

A6 - Aptos Life - January 2013 www.AptosLife.com

By ERIK CHALHOUBOf Aptos Life

APTOS — One liners? Check.Slapstick comedy? Here.A disaster of a performance (that was

completely intentional)? Indeed.Cabrillo Stage’s resurrection of the

Marx Brothers never lets up the humor and the distinctive personas that made the early 20th-century comedy act so suc-cessful.

As a musical, “Nutcracker” is a bit thin: Only nine songs make up the two and a half hour performance, and the second act is largely a ballet.

But, this works to the production’s ad-vantage. The rapid-fire one-liners from Nicholas Ceglio (who played Groucho Marx as Felix T. Filibuster) is what a member of the audience would expect when seeing a production starring the Marx Brothers, not necessarily an elabo-rately choreographed musical piece.

Ceglio’s performance stole the show. With eyebrows and a mustache that looked just as fake as Groucho Marx’s and a spot-on imitation of his voice, it al-most seemed as if Groucho rose from the dead specifically for this production.

Driven by Ceglio, most of the jokes were on the mark, receiving a range of chuckles to hearty laughter from the audi-ence. A dose of slapstick, physical come-dy mixed in between the one-liners well.

Ceglio is joined by Max Bennett-Park-er (Chico) and Matt Dunn (Harpo), who equally capture their respective Brother with the same amount of success. Ben-nett-Parker’s Italian persona and slightly dim-witted attitude complements Dunn’s silent, pantomimed performance well, re-sulting in many funny misunderstandings between the two.

As expected with any comedy, the lure of overusing a funny joke might be tempt-ing, and “Nutcracker” is no exception. The mispronunciation of Clyde Ratch-

Max Bennett-Parker (from right) as Pepponi, Nicholas Ceglio as Felix T. Fillibuster and Matt Dunn as Pinchie perform as the Marx Brothers during “A Night At The Nutcracker.” Photo by Jana Marcus

Review: Cabrillo Stage successfully resurrects Marx Brothers

ette’s name (played by Adam J. Saucedo) was funny in the first five instances, but became stale every time afterword. For the record, it is pronounced “Rah-Chay,” not how it looks (which wouldn’t be ap-

propriate for print).The production is billed as the Marx

Brothers’ take on the Nutcracker, and on this it does not disappoint. With nearly the entire second act devoted to the bal-

let, the disastrous performance by the Marx Brothers and others is a gold mine of slapstick comedy.

“A Night At The Nutcracker,” wrapped up on Dec. 30 after a three-week run.

Village Fitness

We Change Lives

• Physical Therapy• Personal Training (Private, Semi-Private and Group)• Gym access

12 week

Nutritional Fitness

Program.

A New Year... A New

You!Call Today!

708-2323SeascapePTandFIT.com

16A Seascape Village • Aptos, CA

• Weight Loss• Nutritional Support• Massage.

We are Locally & Family Owned and operated by Licensed Medical Professionals.

Jim & Kathy Tucker(Owners)P.T. & R.N.

Introductory O� er

30 days$89

Introducing our

Aptos Life - January 2013 - A7 www.AptosLife.com

Jim and Kathy Tucker are the owners of Seascape Physical Fitness and Seascape Village Fit-ness. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

By ROSEANN HERNANDEZOf Aptos Life

APTOS — For Jim and Kathy Tucker, owners of Seascape Physical Therapy and Seascape Village Fitness in the Seascape Vil-lage Shopping Center, health and fitness is a family passion.

A board-certified Orthopedic Physical Ther-apist, Jim Tucker is a long-standing member of the American Physical Therapy Association, specializing in orthopedic and sports rehabilita-tion, while wife Kathy is a registered nurse and licensed message therapist.

Daughter Erin (one of four daughters) is a certified personal trainer and has a degree in Health Science.

Walk into Seascape Village Fitness and you may find Erin working with a member in a custom exercise program or catch Kathy Tucker giving an awe-inducing Swedish massage integrated with acupressure (for good measure).

Seascape Village Fitness offers private and semi-private training, team training (large groups up to 12 people) and independent gym access.

Fitness coaches are on hand to offer advice during team training and are available during independent workout sessions to ensure peo-ple are using the equipment correctly and are moving forward in their tailor made exercise program.

Stressing accountability and community support, Kathy Tucker said they do not want people to come in just to walk around lost — they want people to come in and succeed.

“Members support each other, in a good way,” Kathy said, adding that if one member sees that another has lost weight, then they feel they can do it, too.

“People build friendships,” Kathy said.The hardest part of any fitness regime is

sticking to it, and if the Tuckers find that a member has not been at the gym for a while they will call them.

“Their success is our success,” Jim said. In January, Seascape Village Fitness is

launching a comprehensive nutritional sup-port program called “Nutritional Fitness.”

The program will be offered independent-ly or in combination with any of their per-sonal training services. It is a 12-week, in-

dividualized program in which clients meet weekly with a qualified fitness and nutri-tion coach. Clients will receive the moti-vation, accountability, structure, tools and knowledge that is needed to achieve their weight loss goals.

“We strongly believe that proper diet and exercise are the keys to weight loss and good health,” Jim said.

Born and raised in Aptos, Jim said he re-members as a child playing in the grassy lot that would later become the Seascape Village shopping center.

The sense of community is palpable at the gym, which is decorated with photographs of members who have reached their fitness goals and pictures of events held at the shop-ping center.

Earlier this year, the Tuckers helped orga-nize the safe Halloween event that brought merchants and community members to the shopping center and helped spearhead the campaign to put up a Christmas tree in the center this year — the first time the village has had a tree.

At the start of the holiday shopping season, Seascape Village Fitness hosted the fifth- an-nual Beauty Bash Sale, where shoppers could buy luxury salon haircare and skincare brands as well as holiday gifts at below wholesale prices.

More than 250 shoppers attended the sale, with proceeds going to Santa Cruz Children’s Charities — where Kathy sits on the board of directors and which supports a variety of chil-dren’s focused organizations such as CASA, Adopt-a-Family and Operation Smile.

The Beauty Bash Sale raised more than $9,000 to support programs benefiting chil-dren in need.

During the months of November and De-cember, Seascape Village Fitness donated meals to Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes with every new membership and during their “Food for Fat” initiative, for every pound a member lost in weight, the gym donated a pound of food.

“Christmas season is a time when we do not want anyone to go without,” Kathy said.

For more information about Seascape Vil-lage Fitness and Seascape Physical Therapy go to: www.seascapeptandfit.com

Seascape Physical Therapy and Fitness Studio

OPEN HOUSE & SCIENCE FAIR

Thursday, January 31st6-8 p.m

Achievement will be the result when children are stimulated by their

curriculum, motivated by their interest and challenged to perform at their

personal best!

Arts + Academics = Success

CURRENT INTEREST RATES Lowest ever! Record lows!

30-year fixed 3.34% 15-year fixed 2.65% 5/1 ARM 2.74%

Source: Freddie Mac

But– it will not stay like this forever—BUYERS—NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!

Hello Fellow Aptosians -

I have lived in Aptos since 1995 and loved every minute of it. I am a Top Producer in Santa Cruz County and consider myself an “expert” on Aptos Real Estate.

APTOS REAL ESTATE NEWS January 2013

RUTH BATES—831-359-2212 Realtor & MBA, Lic.#01799929, www.ruthbates.com

2012 SUMMARY—APTOS 300 homes were SOLD (as of 12/15/12).

Bank-owned sales = 35 (12%), Short Sales = 38 (13%), so 25% Distressed Sales. Mix is below:

Price # Sold Percent <$300K 17 6% $300-$400K 25 8% $400K-$500K 44 15% $500-$600K 49 16% $600-$700K 56 19% $700-$800K 44 15% $800-$900K 15 5% $900-$1.0M 11 4% $1.0-$1.5M 24 8% $1.5-$2M 7 2% >$2M 8 3% PENDING: 47 Sales Pending, 14 are Short Sales, 7 are bank owned.

ACTIVE: Only 60 homes are listed, and 29 of those listings are over $1 million, so we only have 31 homes available to buy in Aptos! (< one month inventory)

SELLERS—WE NEED YOU NOW ! So many Buyers, no Inventory! FREE MARKET ANALYSIS (CMA) Call me today 831-359-2212 FIVE-day free at Maui Oceanfront condo if you list and sell with me

SHORT SALES If your property is distressed, I closed four Short Sales in 2012 and work with experts. The banks are offering very nice incentives for Short Sales. Call me today to discuss your options

Our patients live and thrive in the comfort of our facility: * All Electric High-Low Beds * 24/7 Monitored Security Cameras * HD Flat Screen TV’s available in each bedroom * Semi-private rooms (2 patients) for Medicare Patients * Wireless Internet connection throughout our Hospital * FREE local calls from your personal bedside phone * Access to our Valley Convalescent Internet Cafe, with Skype and webcam for audio/visual contact with relatives and friends worldwide

Valley Convalescent Hospital 919 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville CA 95076

(831) 722-3581

V a l l e y C o n v a l e s c e n t H o s p i t a l

Valley Heights Senior Community 925 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 722-4884 www.valleyheights.com

Valley Heights�upp�r�ing independent seni�rs sin�e ���� �amily Owned and Operated

��mpare y�ur �amily�s h�me e��enses against all the ser�i�es, amenities, and value at Valley Heights...

• Apartment with Washer/Dryer & Full Kitchen •• 2 Meals Daily in our Formal Dining Room • Activities •

• Utilities • Housekeeping • 24-Hour Security •• Transportation Available to Doctors & Shopping •

• WiFi & DSL Connection Available • • Pet Friendly Community • plus much more!

... y�u�ll ag�ee Valley Heights is the pla�e t� �e�

* Contact our Marketing Department for more details on receiving one month free rent.

tm

*FREE month special!

Sports on Page B3

JANUARY 2013 B - SECTION

By GLENN CRAVENSOf Aptos Life

Before Aptos High’s football players said goodbye to the fall sports season, they had the chance to play in one more game.

Several Mariner seniors competed with other rivals schools in the an-nual Lions Bowl at Cabrillo College. Teamed with the four Watsonville schools to comprise the South Santa Cruz County All-Stars, they were unable to beat their northern counterparts, 24-20.

Senior quarterback Cody Clifton threw for one touchdown and ran for another as the North Team nearly overcame a 21-0 third-quarter defi cit. Aptos senior Aaron McAnerney, one of the top running backs on the team this year, had a fourth-quarter touchdown to pull the north squad to within four points. But they didn’t get another opportunity after that.

Days before the game, several Aptos student-athletes received all-SC-CAL honors. Quarterback Alex Joh, who led the team’s quick-strike of-fense, was named the SCCAL Junior of the Year. Alec Bonsall, a tight end catching machine, was named Lineman of the Year. Aptos running back

Aptos High School Sports Round-up

Right: Aptos High’s Halley Bermingham (4) prepares to kick the ball away from Santa Cruz’s Taylar Wilhemsen during the second half of

their game at Depot Park in Santa Cruz. Photo by Glenn Cravens

By GLENN CRAVENSOf Aptos Life

APTOS — Carlos Anaya saw the rough and rugged Coast Classic wrestling tournament as a good early season measure of his skills.

Anaya, a defending Monterey Bay League champion, fi nished the two-day event with a third-place fi nish in the 126-pound division on Friday afternoon at Aptos High.

“Once I lost in quarters, I got really mad,” An-aya said. “I wanted to prove that I wasn’t a bust, that I am as good as all of the other guys that got fi rst and second. And I feel really good now.”

In his third-place match, Anaya defeated El Dorado’s Mark Brown 12-2.

Anaya never trailed and kept Brown down on the mat for a majority of the match.

Midway through the fi rst round, Anaya got a takedown for his fi rst two points. He then got two points for a near fall as the fi rst round came to an end.

In the start of the second round, Anaya chose the down position and immediately broke free for a point. Moments later, he took down Brown.

A similar situation played out at the start of the third round.

Brown escaped late in the third round and went for Anaya’s legs. Anaya side stepped the grab at-tempt and sent Brown to the mat, virtually ending the contest.

“I wasn’t sure I was going to win the match, but I worked my tail off,” Brown said.

Of Anaya’s seven wins in the tournament, two were by pin. In the other fi ve, he scored at least

10 points and never let his opponent get close on the scoreboard.

Anaya said the Coast Classic, which has grown in attendance over the past couple of years, lived up to its billing as a tough tournament.

He said he has to rack up more experience leading up to the major events in 2013.

“I need to get more moves in and get my mus-cle memory down,” he said.

Harbor High’s Willy Lamacchia also had a third-place fi nish, fi nishing his two-day experi-ence with a win in the 138-pound division.

Lamacchia defeated Bellarmine’s Julian Ma-cias 14-2 in their third-place contest.

Much like Anaya, Lamacchia set the tone early and never let Macias get an opportunity to get a pin.

Macias’ only two points off of Lamacchia came after escapes.

Lamacchia got a takedown right away. It took Macia about 45 seconds to break free and earn one of his only two points. After breaking free, Lamacchia got a single-leg takedown.

In starting the second round, Lamacchia chose the down position. He immediately escaped for a point and then wrapped up Macias for two more points.

Lamacchia said the match was his best perfor-mance of the tournament.

“I’m happy I ended it strong,” he said. “I wres-tled really well in my third- and fourth-place match.”

Lamacchia said his 6-1 outing can help propel

Coast ClassicAptos High’s Miller Clark pins down an opponent during the � rst day of the Coast Classic wrestling tournament at Aptos High in December. Clark, a sophomore, competed in the tournament for the � rst time. Photo by Glenn Cravens

Coast Classic on Page B2

New Laws 2013

By ERIK CHALHOUBof Aptos Life

APTOS — As the world wel-comes 2013, many new state laws went into effect on Jan. 1, includ-ing changes to texting while driv-ing, a boost for driverless cars, how DUI suspects will be test-ed and college-funding changes called the California Dream Act (part 2).

A new law will also require condo and apartment owners to have a carbon monoxide detector in their dwelling.

“The changes to California’s traffi c safety laws are designed to protect the motoring public,” stated California Highway Patrol Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Citi-zens are encouraged to familiar-ize themselves with these new laws in advance of the new year.”

The following is a summary of some of the new laws, starting with traffi c laws. For a complete look at all new California laws, visit www.LegInfo.ca.gov.

AB 1536: Electronic Wireless Communications

This law allows California driv-ers to use hands-free technology to talk and text while driving. This will require the use of a device that is specifi cally designed and confi g-ured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation to dictate, send or listen to a text-based com-munication. The device is required to also be used in a voice-operated, hands-free manner to be in compli-ance with the law.

AB 2020: Driving Under the Infl uence

The law no longer allows a per-son who has been arrested and is suspected of driving under the infl uence of drugs the option of a urine test. Prior to this change, a person had the option of submitting either urine or blood to determine the drug content of their blood.

AB 45: Charter-Party Carriers of Passengers: Alcoholic Bever-ages: Open Containers

This new law prohibits un-derage drinking in charter-party carriers (limos, buses, etc.) and makes the carrier and driver re-sponsible for communicating this to their passengers. The law also requires a designee, who is at least 25 years of age, to be pres-ent whenever there are passengers who are under 21 years of age on board the vehicle and alcohol is being transported. The designee shall be responsible for ensuring the rules are followed, and the safety of the underage passengers throughout the duration of the trip.

AB 1708: Financial Responsi-bility and Insurance

Drivers will now have the op-tion of providing proof of insur-ance and registration on an elec-tronic device (smartphone, tablet, etc.), when it is requested by law enforcement.

AB 2405: High Occupancy Toll Lanes

This law creates the Choose Clean Cars Act, which allows cars with a Clean Air Vehicle Sticker free access to carpool lanes that are converted to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes.

SB 1298: Autonomous Vehi-cles

Laws on Page B7

By ERIK CHALHOUBOf Aptos Life

APTOS — Aptos Aptos artist David Fleming currently has his oil on canvas artwork on display at Michael’s on Main in Soquel.

Fleming, who has a B.S. in industri-al design at San Jose State University, is a former car stylist, working for Ford in Detroit. His most notable success, he said, was designing the rear-end of a 1969 Mustang.

After two years, he returned to Cal-ifornia to work for Lockheed as an off-road vehicle designer. Later on, he worked for Porsche in Stuttgart, Germa-ny.

In 1974, Fleming returned to school to study painting, becoming a teacher shortly thereafter. He retired in 2002.

“I’ve liked art all of my life,” Fleming said. “I decided at some point that when I retired, I wanted to become a full-time artist.”

With his background in car design, Fleming said it is similar “in a lot of ways” to painting.

“It has a lot to do with aesthetics,” he said.

Fleming has been a participant in the Santa Cruz County Open Studios since 1996, and has shown his work in galler-ies such as the Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara and the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas.

Michael’s on Main is located at 2591 Main St. in Soquel. Fleming will have his work up through February. To see more of Fleming’s work, visit members.cruzio.com/~fl eming.

Aptos Artist featured at

local restuarant

“Cabrillo Music Festival Rehearsal” is oil on canvas. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Ap-tos Life

B2 - Aptos Life - January 2013 www.AptosLife.com

Coast Classic Continued from page B1

him into league and the Central Coast Section tournaments later this season.

“This was a really tough tournament,” La-macchia said.

Anaya and Lamacchia were two of nine lo-cal wrestlers who got to the winners bracket quarterfi nals.

North Monterey County’s Abel Reyes fi n-ished ninth in the 113-pound division. He won his fi rst two matches easily before get-ting pinned by Kalen Ippolito of South Lake Tahoe High in the second round of the quar-terfi nals.

Reyes was then sent to the consolation bracket, where he lost to Elk Grove’s Kalani Tonge 4-3.

Harbor’s Bryan Battisto defeated Hugh-son’s Joseph Dias 8-7 to win seventh place in the 160-pound division.

Battisto got two technical falls to start the tournament but then lost to eventual cham-pion Trae Providence of Ponderosa, 12-4. Battisto went 1-1 in the consolation bracket before facing Dias.

Scotts Valley’s Balden Dashiev got to the winners’ bracket quarterfi nals before getting pinned by Ponderosa’s Nick Troquato, who eventually won the 182-pound division title.

Dashiev was eliminated in his fi rst match in the consolation bracket.

Three local wrestlers made up the top eight in the 220-pound division. Aptos’ Caleb Pha-len got to the top eight before losing to El Dorado’s Gress Lawson. He then lost his fi rst consolation match soon after.

Nash Palafox of Harbor picked up back-to-back pins before losing to Foothill’s Briar Litz. He then was eliminated by Madera’s Kyle Mask 18-2.

Aptos’ Ramon Zecarias took eighth place in the 120-pound division. He fi nished 3-3 in the tournament, getting a win in the consola-tion bracket before losing to Half Moon Bay’s Spencer Boling.

Harbor High’s Willy Lamacchia prepares to throw down Bellarmine’s Julian Macias during their match at the Coast Classic wrestling tournament at Aptos High. Lamacchia won the match to take third place in the 138-pound division. Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

Aptos High’s Alex Marquez attempts to pin an opponent during the fi rst day of the Coast Classic wrestling tournament at Aptos High last month. Marquez was the lone Aptos repre-sentative in the heavyweight division.Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

Aptos High’s Kevin Alm prepares to lock in against an Alisal High wrestler during the fi rst day of the Coast Classic wrestling tournament at Aptos High. Alm was competing in the 126-pound division. Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

North Monterey County High’s Carlos Anaya attempts to take down El Dorado’s Mark Brown during their third-place match at the Coast Classic wrestling tournament. Anaya, a defending Monterey Bay League champion, won the match to fi nish third in the 126-pound division. Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

Aptos High’s Alec Bonsall tries to take down a St. Francis Mountain View wrestler during the fi rst day of the Coast Classic wrestling tourna-ment at Aptos High in December.Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

Aptos Life - January 2013 - B 3www.AptosLife.com

January Special

Self Cleaning, Center Burner,Even-Bake Technology.

Model FGGF3041KF

Gas Range

AAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLDDDDDDDDDDIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAA RRRRRRRRRReeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaallllllllll EEEEEEEEEEssssssssssttttttttttaaaaaaaaaatttttttttteeeeeeeeee IIIIIIIIIInnnnnnnnnncccccccccc..PPPPPPPPPPrrrrrrrrrrooooooooooppppppppppeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrttttttttttyyyyyyyyyy MMMMMMMMMMaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaggggggggggeeeeeeeeeemmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnntttttttttt

“Feel The Energy”

www.aldinapropperrttyymmmaannaaggegemmmemeenntntt.c.ccomOffi ce: (883311)7)77663633-7-77777777777

Serving: Santa Cruz,z, MMononntteerreeyyy & && MMMMeMeeerrcrced Counties

Kinder Esthetics at Fusion Salon

1051 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA . 95062

(831)479-3727

Permanent makeup specialist Nicole KinderPermanent MakeupWaxingWedding and special event makeupFacialsMicrodermabrasionChemical peels

Elijah Marta shared Offensive Player of the year honors with Scotts Valley’s Ari Wargon.

Five Aptos players earned all-SCCAL hon-ors. Nick DeMoro was the lone Aptos player named to the all-defensive team. McAnerney, Brodie Bennet, Jon Sullivan and Mitch Ocam-po were picked to be on the all-offensive team.

The attention now turns fully to the winter sports season, where all fi ve teams will try to make their mark in one way or another.

The wrestling team will likely grab the ma-jority of the attention to start the winter sea-son. They already have made their mark on the wrestling scene so far.

At the third annual Webber Lawson Varsity Tournament in Sunnyvale, one wrestler won his division. Miller Clark went 4-0, getting a pin en route to the 152-pound division cham-pionship. In the fi nals, Clark defeated Silver Creek of San Jose’s Joel Demarest 9-1.

Aptos High was be the site of the annu-al Coast Classic, Dec. 27 and 28. It was a stacked tournament, as more than 70 schools were represented in the two-day affair. This includes several out-of-state entrants. Herm-iston High, located on the northern Oregon border, brought its group of talented wres-tlers. The same goes for South Lake Tahoe High in Nevada.

Seedings for the 45th annual tournament were awarded before Christmas, with Aptos’ Ramon Zacarias, one of the team’s veteran wrestlers, being awarded the No. 8 seed in the 120-pound division.

“We have a few state champs coming in from Oregon and California,” said SCCAL commissioner Pat Lovell. “This is going to be a high-quality tournament.”

Lovell credits Aptos coach Reggie Roberts for keeping the event going. The tournament was once held at Cabrillo College and Scotts Valley High before shifting to Aptos in 2011.

Alec Bonsall said it’s a good barometer for the rest of the season.

“It lets us know what we need to work on” said Bonsall, who was bounced early in the 2011 tournament.

The girls basketball team is holding tough af-ter competing in a highly competitive nonleague campaign. They put together back-to-back wins against Greenfi eld and Pacifi c Grove to win the consolation championship of the Alisal Winter Jam tournament in Salinas.

Against Greenfi eld, the Mariners prevailed

59-45. The Mariners then had to rally one day later to defeat Pacifi c Grove 39-33. It’s the second year in a row the Mariners won the consolation fi nals of the tournament. They’re 7-2 in their past nine games in the tournament series dating back to 2010.

Aptos had one more big tournament before SCCAL play begins. It was one of the 16 en-trants in the Sweet 16 Holiday Tournament, at Alvarez High in Salinas.

The boys basketball team is staying in the positive to start the season. So far, the squad is 9-3, having posted winning records in two tournaments. It went 2-1 in the annual Seascape Holiday Classic. The Mariners defeated Gil-roy and Gunn of San Jose before losing to St. Mary’s of Stockton in the championship.

At the Gilroy Mustang Tournament, the Mariners got to the semifi nals before losing to Hollister 51-33. They then defeated Gilroy 70-55 to take third place.

Aptos also competed in the Bob Steinbach Classic at North Salinas beginning Nov. 27. In January, the Mariners will begin SCCAL play. First up will be one of the biggest tests of the season, as they face Soquel.

The girls soccer team played a hellacious nonleague schedule that included several league champions. They fi nished nonleague play 1-3-2, getting their lone win against Ste-venson on Dec. 11. In that 2-0 win against the Pirates, the Mariners scored both goals in the fi rst half.

In their next game, Aptos fi nished in a 1-1 tie with Watsonville at Emmett Geiser Field. Anna Burk put the Mariners on the board in the 38th minute. The lead lasted just 12 minutes, as Wat-sonville’s leading scorer, Dominique Chipres, tied it up with a goal of her own.

The Mariners thought their rough non-league campaign would help, going into SC-CAL play, but they were set back by Santa Cruz 2-1 in the teams’ league opener at Depot Park. Kelsey Kusaba scored the lone goal in the 46th minute.

The boys soccer team has also had a rough go early in nonleague play but fi nished with back-to-back victories over North Salinas and King City. Against North Salinas, Chris Pa-checo scored a goal as the Mariners blanked the Vikings 2-0. A week later, Aptos traveled an hour south to War Memorial Stadium and defeated King City 3-1.

Sports Continued from page B1

Aptos High’s Alex Gordo accidentally kicks the ball upside the head of a Santa Cruz forward during their game last month at Depot Park in Santa Cruz. Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

Aptos High’s Cort Young tries to secure the ball away from a Santa Cruz midfi elder during their game last month at Depot Park in Santa Cruz. Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

Aptos High’s Micaela Pesci prepares to kick the ball to a teammate during the Mariners’ game against Santa Cruz at Depot Park. Pesci had a couple of shot attempts in the game. Photo by Glenn Cravens/Aptos Life

B4 - Aptos Life - January 2013 www.AptosLife.com

india bistro“Nothing Less T han Our Best”

207 Seabridge Rd, Aptos685-0610

www.ambrosiaib.com( reservations recommended )

“Nothing Less Than Our Best”

Buy one and get another 1/2 OFF of equal or lesser price with this coupon. Not valid for buffet, take-out, catering or with other offers. Expires 1/31/13

MAXIMUM 2 PER TABLE. PRESENT COUPON TO SERVER WHEN SEATED. Not good with other offers. Expires Expires 1/31/13

AMBROSIA SPECIAL

and get another 1/2 OFF of equal or less

1/2 OFF

FREE SodaMAXIMUM 2 PER TABLE. PRESENT COUPON TO

with purchase of lunch buffet

Buy one price witcatering

AMAMAM

one

11111111BESTin Santa CruzCounty‘09, ‘10, ‘11

Open Daily! Lunch Buffet 11:30am - 2:30pm Daily

Dinner Starts at 5:00pm Daily

THE SANDERLINGS SKILLETPotatoes, Eggs, Sausage, Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions and Cheese

served with your choice of Toast or a Flour Tortilla

THE SKINNY SKILLETEggs, Spinach, Asparagus, Mushrooms, Onion and Cheese

served with your choice of Fruit or a Flour Tortilla

$6.99 Each7:00am–11:00am, Monday–Friday

831-662-7120 • SanderlingsRestaurant.com

Not available on holidays or private parties

BREAKFAST BY THE BAYAT SANDERLINGS RESTAURANT

FREE Booth Space for Local Farmers & Sellers

Open Saturday & Sunday 9 am - 4 pm

Pajaro Valley High School500 Harkins Slough Road

Community Flea Marketand Yard Sale

“YOUR ONE STOP YARD SALE SHOP”

FREE AdmissionFRESH PRODUCE • FOOD BOOTHS

WETLANDS OPEN FOR KIDS & FAMILIES TO EXPLORE

10110 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

831-662-2BBQwww.SidsSmokehouse.com

(2227)

Happy Hour 7 Days A Week:

3-6 pmTAKEOUT & CATERINGOpen 7 Days a Week

Football Sunday Brunch

9am to 1pm

Carl W. Johnson CPA

Tax PreparationIndividual

Corporate Trust &

Estate

831-662-8506JohnsonCarlW@aol.com

Aptos Life - January 2013 - B 5www.AptosLife.com

By TODD GUILDOf Aptos Life

APTOS — Anyone who eats at Bitter-sweet Bistro in Aptos should defi nitely heed the following advice: order one of their amaz-ing desserts, no matter how full you are.

That advice comes with a caveat, however: be prepared to share, because the beautifully prepared confections are enormous and deli-cious.

But let’s start at the beginning, shall we?Aptos Life photographer Tarmo Hannula

and I went to the Aptos mainstay for lunch, eating in Café Bittersweet, where lunch is served. We entered through a small outdoor dining area and into the restaurant where we were immediately greeted by a friendly serv-er who brought menus and our drink orders.

We sat on comfortable, cushioned chairs at heavy, solid oak tables set with sturdy silver-ware and white linen tablecloths and napkins.

The restaurant is lit by subdued track light-ing, and the textured earth tone walls have large photographs of scenes from around the world.

The place was full of diners who were chatting over their lunches, some of whom claimed to be frequent customers.

That included Jane Frank of Aptos, who said she has been coming for about fi ve years.

“I have never had a bad experience or a bad meal here,” she said. “This is one of the best restaurants in Aptos.”

Adding to the local-friendly, community feel of the restaurant was a sign posted on a nearby table said that dogs are welcome, along with a dog menu with treats such as chicken or hamburger patties for $3 each, or a steak for $7.

If I have any complaint about the restau-rant, it is a piddling one: the menu is huge, offering breakfast served until 1 p.m. and a lunch section with salads, pizzetta and sand-wiches.

I struggled over my choice, but based on our server Stephanie’s suggestion I ordered the hot ‘n crunchy chicken avo sandwich ($11.75), which came with ancho chili mayo, tomatoes and lettuce, and was topped with the unusual addition of a breaded, crispy av-ocado slice.

The sandwich was also one of several chef’s suggestions, which were indicated by yellow highlights.

Tarmo ordered the Italian sausage pizetta ($12.50), a thin crust, wood-fi red pizza whose large size belied its diminutive name.

There was certainly enough to share, which we agreed to do with both of our dishes.

The pizetta fi lled a large dinner plate and was packed with savory sausage, Bermuda onions and roasted red peppers.

My sandwich was perfect, starting with the tender ciabatta bread. The ancho chili mayo added a sweetness to the salty crispiness of the chicken that I thought was delicious.

Tarmo, on the other hand, said it was too sweet and added that he prefers his meat on the savory side.

Tarmo said the pizza was piping hot and

was obviously served straight from the oven. The toppings, he added, were “abundant, but not overpowering.”

“It’s like someone had an eye for detail,” he said.

Perhaps the best part was the crust, which was “the perfect blend of chewiness and crispiness,” Tarmo said.

Better still, the slices were fi rm enough to stay together without bending when we picked them up.

We were also tempted by the café steak sandwich ($14.50). Non-meat eaters might be tempted by “The Ultimate” grilled cheese, which has cheese, tomato, caramelized onion and exotic mushrooms on a ciabatta roll.

The restaurant offers daily lunch specials dubbed “recession crushers,” which offer $6 entrees and $5 drinks.

Those that go for dinner in the actual Bit-tersweet Bistro may choose from offerings such as grilled lamb tenderloins ($32), Mon-terey Bay king salmon ($30) and Bittersweet paella ($31.)

At the end of the meal, when both of us were full, facing a fast-approaching deadline for several stories and ready to leave, Tarmo coaxed me into ordering desert.

It is never diffi cult to talk me into sweets, so I went for the Bittersweet chocolate mousse ($12), which came in a crisp Florentine cup, and came with generous dollops of créme an-glaise and Bittersweet chocolate sauce.

My desert also came topped with a handful of fresh raspberries and sliced strawberries.

Tarmo declined an offer to share the dish, leaving me to get through the dish myself.

The creamy mousse was the perfect bal-ance of sweet and bitter, while the Florentine cup was just sweet enough to lend its fl avor to the dish without making it cloying. The berries, chocolate and créme were the perfect accompaniments.

While I had no regrets about ordering my desert order, I was also tempted by the choc-olate walnut bread pudding ($10), the classic creme brulée ($8.50) and the vanilla bean cheesecake ($10).

Chef Thomas Vinolus was born in Missou-ri and spent his life cooking. He took his fi rst cooking position at the Hilton Hotel in Irvine, California where he became versed in pastry making.

He attended the Culinary Institute of Amer-ica in Hyde Park, New York, followed by an internship at Aureole’s in New York City and Casanova’s in Carmel.

In his cuisine, which he describes as Amer-ican bistro, Vinolus says he strives to use fresh ingredients with a special emphasis on local products. All his dishes are made from scratch.

Bittersweet Bistro is located just off the Rio Del Mar exit from Highway 1. It has a large lot with ample parking. Café Bittersweet is open for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Bittersweet Bistro is open for dinner from 5:30 - 9 P.M. Sunday - Thursday, and 5:30 - 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. For information call 662-9899 or visit www.bit-tersweetbistro.com.

Bi� ersweet memoriesAptos mainstay a must for serious dessert lovers

Outdoor seating was an option for the breakfast and lunch crowd. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

Stephanie Trevino serves up a “hot ‘n crunchy chicken avo sandwich.” Photo by Tarmo Han-nula/Aptos Life

Bittersweet Cafe’s Italian sausage pizzetta was served piping hot, straight out of the oven. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

The Bittersweet chocolate mousse, served in a fl orentine cup, was smothered with fresh ber-ries. Photo by Tarmo Hannula/Aptos Life

B6 - Aptos Life - January 2013 www.AptosLife.com

Mid-County PONY BaseballRegistration for the 2013 spring season is

now open. Recreational baseball league for 13-14 year olds and under with games at the Polo Grounds in Aptos. Registration deadline is January 23. Player Registration packets available online at www.midcountypony.com.

Watsonville Wetlands Watch Docent Training Begins in January

The Watsonville Wetlands Watch 2013 Docent Training Program will begin on January 23. Local experts will provide an inside look at the wetlands of Watsonville, including the ecology, history and restoration of the wetlands. This 7-week program in-cludes Wednesday evening presentations and Saturday morning fi eld trips.

New docents will be prepared to assist with fi eld trips and lead walks. Docents also have the opportunity to help with community events, work in the library or greenhouse at the Fitz Wetlands Education Resource Cen-ter, work on special projects, and participate in wetlands restoration. There is a need for bilingual (Spanish/English) docents, but being bilingual is not requirement.

The Watsonville Wetlands Watch is a nonprofi t community-based organization dedicated to the protection, restoration and appreciation of the wetlands of Pajaro Val-ley. For more information, visit our website at www.watsonvillewetlandswatch.org.

Please contact the Volunteer Coordina-tor, Kathy Fieberling, at 831-345-1226 or email kathyfi eb@yahoo.com for details and to enroll.

Aptos ChamberJanuary Breakfast Meeting- Date: January

10, 2013 Time: 7:30am-9:00am Location: Best Western Plus Seacliff Inn, Aptos Join us for our fi rst breakfast meeting of the year with special guest speaker George Blumen-thal, Chancellor of UCSC. $20 members, $25 non-members

Aptos & Capitola/Soquel Chamber - Business Showcase 2013 - 2013 Registra-tion Form February 21, 2013 3:30pm-7:00pm Join us for our 27th Annual Business Show-case at the Capitola Mall. This is your prime opportunity to meet, greet and showcase your business to over 4,000 attendees. From accounting to yoga and everything in be-tween…Santa Cruz County is bustling with great businesses. It’s your time to shine!

Aptos Chamber - January Mixer at burg-er. January 15, 2013 5:00pm-6:30pm January Mixer at burger. in Aptos! Come see the new restaurant in Aptos and enjoy networking, food, and fun! Call 688-1467 for more infor-mation

Aptos Academy Science Fair All Aptos Academy students have been in-

vited to take part in our Annual Science Fair, an exciting event that encourages students to think like young scientists. Parents are encouraged to get involved and guide their children as they design, execute, analyze, and present their science projects.

The Science Fair will take place on Thurs-day, January 31st and Friday, February 1st. The judging and student presentations occur on Thursday and awards will be given on

Community Calendar

Dining for Historypresents

This Old House x 2 The Two Oldest Homes in Aptos and the

Families that Built them

Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine in the oldest house in Aptos. Then learn the history of the Joseph Arano and Vincente Castro Houses over a delicious dinner at nearby Au Midi Restaurant.

Tuesday, January 22, 20136:00 PM

Special Guest Speaker: Dick Garwood

$45 for Museum Members • $50 for Non-Members (Beverage and tip not included) Reservations only! 688-1467

Aptos History Corner

The very fi rst motel was opened on De-cember 12, 1925 and was called the Motel Inn in San Luis Obispo. Prior to that, travelers slept in hotels and boarding houses. The Mo-tel idea, (Motor hotel) for auto travel quickly caught on nation wide.

Redwood Village motel in Aptos was built in 1928. William Parker, a carpenter, purchased the redwood grove from the de-velopers of Rio Del Mar to build a motel for the vacationers who came to enjoy the local beaches. He cut down some of the Redwood trees for lumber and constructed 13 hand hewn, rustic cabins with fi replaces and Dutch doors. Redwood Village was converted to shops in 1975. When the Chamber located there in 1983, there was still a sink and wood burning fi replace in our offi ce.

The fi rst full service hotel in Aptos was the Live Oak House built in 1869 after the con-struction of wooden covered bridges across Aptos and Valencia Creeks guaranteed un-interrupted transportation by stage and wag-on. The Bay View Hotel followed in 1878 and was built by Joseph Arano. The Rio Del Mar Country Club Inn was built in 1929 but burned to the ground on Saint Patrick’s Day 1963. The Rio Sands Motel was built in 1963. Seacliff Inn was built in 1985. It may seem like it is not actually in Seacliff but, before Highway One cut Aptos in half, all of the land from the beach to Soquel Drive was part of the Seacliff development. Finally, Seascape Beach Resort opened in July of 1993.

We will be presenting a Dining for History event on January 22nd at Au Midi Restaurant in Aptos. The presentation will be about the two oldest buildings in Aptos and will include a visit to the original general store. Dinner will be $45.00 and space is limited so call to-day for a reservation at 688-1467

Friday. Students will be scored on a standard Science Fair rubric and earn either 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or participation ribbons. The students will be competing with themselves to do their personal best.

The top 10 projects will have the oppor-tunity to move on to the Santa Cruz County Science Fair (on March 9, 2013, see http://science.santacruz.k12.ca.us/). Please note that all students must maintain a lab notebook and follow scientifi c procedure. Students can work in teams of two in grades

4 through 5; Prekindergarten through Third grade usually complete a class project, but all students are welcome to prepare individu-al projects as well!

If you can volunteer to be a judge, please contact one of the science fair chairs (see be-low). We need you! Your student’s teacher will guide your student through the format and experiment process and provide web-sites for possible projects and inspiration.

Wine Tasting every Friday at Seascape Food in Aptos. Photo by Jeremy Burke/Aptos LifeWine Tasting Seascape Foods. $5 wine

tasting every Friday from 4 pm - 6 pm. Fea-turing a different winery every week. For more information contact Seascape Foods in Aptos 685-3134.

Wine Wednesdays at Sanderlings. Sanderlings at Seascape Beach Resort, One Seascape Resort Drive. Offering a different

Santa Cruz wine, tapas & live music week-ly. $15 per person (plus tax & gratuity).Se-lect wednesdays from 5:30pm-7:00pm

January 16 - villa del monte / music by ken constable. January 23 - wente vine-yards / music by breeze. January 30 - kath-ryn kennedy / music by george. Phone: 800.929.7727 sanderlingsrestaurant.com

Fine Draperies, Custom Bedding and Furniture, Custom Area Rugs, Shutters, Blinds & More

831-688-4311www.SandyJohnsonInteriors.com

Aptos Life - January 2013 - B 7www.AptosLife.com

This new law allows driverless cars to be operated on public roads for testing purpos-es, provided that each vehicle has a fully li-censed and bonded operator in the driver’s seat to take control if necessary. The bill also instructs the Department of Motor Ve-hicles to adopt regulations that govern the licensing, bonding, testing and operation of autonomous vehicle technology.

SB 1047: Emergency Services: SeniorsSimilar to an AMBER Alert, the CHP

would activate a “Silver Alert” upon re-quest if a person, age 65 or older, is reported missing to a law enforcement agency and that agency determines that certain criteria is met. The criteria includes: the person is missing under unexplained or suspicious circumstances or the law enforcement agency believes the person is in danger due to age, health, mental or physical disabili-ty, environment or weather conditions; the person is in the company of a potentially dangerous person; or there are other factors indicating that the person may be in peril. Finally, there is information available, if given to the public, may assist in the safe recovery of the missing person.

AB 2189: Driver LicenseThis law allows a driver’s license appli-

cant who provides satisfactory proof that his or her presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, but who is not eligible for a social security account number, is eligible to receive an original driver’s license if he or she meets all other qualifi cations for licensure.

SB 1303: Automated Traffi c Enforce-ment Systems

This new law establishes consistency in the operations of red-light enforcement cameras throughout the state by requiring governmental agencies to follow specifi ed guidelines regarding intersections, signage and the notice to appear.

AB 2489: License Plates: Obstruction or Alteration

This new law prevents the altering and positioning of license plates from its orig-inal markings and clarifi es the penalty imposed for obscuring the readability of license plates.

AB 1452: Child Passenger RestraintsHospitals, clinics and birthing centers

will now be required to provide and dis-cuss contact information regarding child safety seat requirements, installation and inspection to parents and caregivers upon discharge of a child, if the child is less than eight years of age.

AB 1854: Infl atable Restraint SystemsThis law makes it illegal for a person to

knowingly distribute or sell a previously deployed air bag or component that will no longer meet the original equipment form, function or proper operation.

The following is a list of bills authored or joint-authored by Assemblymember Luis Alejo.

AB 276: Central Coast Public Hospital Authority

AB 276 creates a Central Coast Public Hospital Authority within Monterey Coun-ty. The bill provides management, adminis-tration and other controls for the continued operation of one or more other healthcare facilities that may be affi liated or consol-idated with Natividad Medical Center, to serve as a designated public safety net hos-pital and ensure the viability of the health care safety net in Monterey County.

AB 1337: Paternity ClaimsAB 1337 fi xes an oversight problem in

the procedure for establishing legal pater-nity of a child whose mother is deceased. The bill adds clarifi cation by specifying

that an alleged father is to serve legal no-tice to a second degree relative, the persons with physical custody of the child.

AB 1865: Greater Access to Legal Ser-vices

AB 1865 gives all bar associations the op-portunity to provide legal services and repre-sent people who have received an unlawful detainer notice in court by listing them as a resource on the unlawful detainer notice.

AB 1908: Reasonable Notice for School Employees

AB 1908 extends the notifi cation of lay-off from 45 days to 60 days for classifi ed school employees. Classifi ed school em-ployees include secretaries, bus drivers, food service workers, groundskeepers, se-curity personnel, teacher’s aides, instruc-tional assistants, custodians, maintenance workers and health care assistants.

AB 1915: Safe Routes to School Bus Stops

AB 1915 specifi es that the Califor-nia Safe Routes to School program may support infrastructure improvements to increase safety and promote walking to school bus stops. AB 1915 amends the Safe Routes to School program by specifying that these infrastructure improvements are an allowable use of up to 10 percent of the program funds.

AB 2174: Best Farming PracticesThe Fertilizer Research and Education

Program (FREP) was established in 1990 to provide funding for research and educa-tion regarding the use and handling of fer-tilizing material. FREP is funded through a mill fee on the sale of fertilizer. This bill clarifi es that the fund can be used to pro-vide technical assistance to farmers on the appropriate use of fertilizing material.

AB 2180: Health Care Districts’ Em-ployment Contracts

AB 2180 requires local health care districts to include in their employment agreements with hospital administrators or CEOs specifi c information regarding com-pensation, retirement benefi ts, severance and any other benefi t that differ from those available to other full-time employees. AB 2180 allows the public and board members to have a reference point for information regarding executive compensation.

SB 965: Public Access to the State and Regional Water Boards

SB 965 broadens the ability of the pub-lic to share information with State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) members. The bill establishes a new standard for Californians to have ac-cess to and communicate with State Boards and Commissions.

SB 1003: Brown Act: Injunctive and Declaratory Relief for Past Actions

SB 1003 amends local government open meeting laws to authorize legal action against a legislative body to determine if certain ongoing or past actions of that body within the last nine months have violated those laws.

AB 1525: Financial Elder Abuse Preven-tion

AB 1525 requires specifi ed money trans-mission licensees to provide, on or before April 1, 2013, and annually thereafter, each of their agents with training materials on recognizing elder or dependent adult fi nan-cial abuse, and on the appropriate response to suspected elder or dependent adult fi nan-cial abuse in a transaction.

Editor Tom Dunlap contributed to this report.

Laws Continued from page B1

STAFF REPORT

Central Fire District offi cials are remind-ing residents to be fi re safe when disposing of ashes from fi replaces or wood stoves. Hot coals and embers can be concealed in fi re-place ash and smolder for hours.

When disposing of ashes, always use a metal can with a lid. Store the metal container outside, away from your home and combusti-ble materials until the ashes are cool.

Water can be added to the container to reduce cooling time. Coals and embers can stay hot for hours or even days. Never store ashes inside of your home or garage. Do not

dispose of ashes with household garbage. Cooled ashes can be used as fertilizer, but do not dispose of ashes in compost, fi re offi cials said.

Never use trash or charcoal as fuel. These may give off toxic gases when they burn. Flammable liquids should not be used to light fi res. Vapors from the liquids can fl ash back when lit and cause burn injuries.

These are just a few common sense ideas, fi re offi cials said. For more fi re safety infor-mation, check the Central Fire District web-site at www.centralfpd.com or contact your local fi re department.

Your Full Service JewelerLocal

• Custom Wedding Rings• Fine Gemstones• Antique & Estate Jewelry• Goldsmiths and

Watchmaker on site• Insurance Appraisals &

Evaluations

Aptos Center 7552 Soquel Dr.

Aptos, CA 95003(831) 688-2799

Carmel By The SeaOcean & MissionCarmel, CA 93921

(831) 624-5621

www.MarkAreiasJewelers.com

“All work done on premises.”Since 1982

Fireplace safety reminder

B8 - Aptos Life - January 2013 www.AptosLife.com

Fresh. Local. Organic. All-Natural.

Here are our recipes of the month KALE and AVOCADO SALAD1 bunch of Dinosaur Kale1 bunch of Basil1/2 medium red onion1 cup cherry tomatoes1 avocado1 tablespoon lemon juice1 tablespoon olive oil1 tablespoon Braggs Amino Acids or tamari

Directions: Remove Stems from kale, fi nely chifi nade basil into thin ribbons, Th inly slice red onion, slice cherry tomatoes in 1/2, dice avocado, add lemon juice, olive oil, Braggs Amino Acids or tamari toss ingredients together cover and put in refrigerator.Let salad sit in refrigerater for 3-12 hours before serving Serves 2-4. If you have always wanted an easy and tasty way to get you greens in, we hope this will become a staple in your home just as it has in ours!!

KALE & AVOCADO SALAD

BROCCOLI and ALMOND1 head of broccoli1 bunch green onion1/2 cup toasted and chopped almonds1/2 cup Raisins1 tablespoon lemon juice1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar1/3 cup mayonaisesalt and pepper to taste

Directions: In a mixing bowl add broccoli cut into bite size pieces, thinly sliced green onion, lemon juice, white balsamic, mayonnaise and salt and pepper, mix thoroughly and sprinkle almonds on top. Just a general note on nuts -If you enjoy them raw by all means leave them untoasted. We have always found that by lightly toasting them they really do shine and hold up a bit better if they are being used in salads with dressings.

BROCCOLI & ALMOND

We carry an array of organic, local, regional, and sustainable products.Our meats include Meyers, Certifi ed Humane Vegetarian fed Angus Beef and Mary’s Air

Chilled Chicken. Our dairy includes Clover all natural and organic milk and yogurt. Our eggs come from our local Aptos Glaum Egg Ranch.

You will fi nd local Surf City Coff ee and Santa Cruz Coff ee Roasting Company on our shelves along with Marianne’s and Polar Bear ice cream in our freezers. Kelly’s French bakery delivers fresh bread and baked goods daily. Gianna’s cakes and cookies are the perfect hostess gift .

16 B Seascape Village, Aptos, CA

Fresh. Local. Organic. All-Natural.SeascapeFoods.com | 831.685.3134

SPINACH, PEAS and PESTO1 cup organic garden peas3 cups washed organic baby spinach1/3 cup toasted pine nuts3/4 cups pesto

PESTO:1 bunch of basil3 sprigs parsley1/2 clove garlicJuice of 1/2 lemon1/2 cup olive oilsalt and pepper to taste1 Tablespoon pine nuts or walnuts

Directions: Combine thawed(if frozen) garden peas and spinach in a bowl and set aside. For Pesto: Combine all ingredients well in a blender or food processor. Toss lightly with pesto and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. You’ll have a deli-cious, heart healthy salad you’ll want to keep eating. You’ll defi nitely want to add this salad to your favorites list! Serve cold within 4 hours of making Serves 2-4. Th is salad is also great when sautéed lightly and added to your favorite pasta! Here at Seascape Foods we really enjoy the mild fl avor of DeLallo whole wheat pasta.

SPINACH, PEAS & PESTO

anic baby spinachne nuts

taste

SALADle

e

Wine Tasting FridaysOnly $5 | 4-6 pm

Catering available, call us or visit us online.

Coming Next month: Green

Garbanzo Bean Salad