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Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus. Visit the FDA to learn more.Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit What the U.S. Government is Doing for links to federal, state and local government agencies.Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

I'm not sure why epidemiologists decided to use the phrase "social distancing" to refer to "the conscious effort to

This last week has been the longest month of my life. With the relentless firehose of updated COVID-19 information, shifting community expectations and rapidly-changing governmental instructions, we’ve gone from a population of residents who work at work, school at school and shop for just what’s needed to a community who works from home, schools at home and hordes toilet paper and sanitizing spray like those doomsday preppers you mock on A&E.Lines outside of Safeway at 5:30am. People fighting over Lysol and Clorox bleach. Non-essential stores closed, Starbucks stacking their tables and chairs to avoid in-store consumption and local residents carrying a digital thermometer in their purse. (Someone else is doing that besides me, right? Anyone?) The collective weight of the evolving coronavirus pandemic has displaced our societal norms with a freakishly dystopian scene, and left us wondering what might come next in the fight against this rapidly spreading illness.I don’t know what’s coming next, but I can tell you where we are as of Tuesday, March 17th at 8pm. Things will keep changing—the majority of this article may even be old news by the time you get your hands on this edition—but the Press Banner is going to publish updates, both in the print edition and online. Cuddle up to your pet, your significant other or your freshly disinfected iPhone, and let’s get the latest.Internationally: Americans who are returning to the U.S. from traveling within high-risk areas are required to fly into one of just 13 international airports. The list—and additional information on restrictions being instituted by other countries—can be found at: https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-travel-restrictions.html.Nationally: There are plenty of actions being considered and implemented, including:•    The chief of the Center for Disease Control, Dr. Robert Redfield, has agreed to provide free testing for COVID-19, regardless of insurance coverage or the ability to pay (with thanks to tough-as-nails Southern California Representative Katie Porter for backing Redfield into a corner during a Congressional hearing that left the chief sinking into his seat).•    Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is planning to institute a payroll tax holiday, which could feed $1,000 into the pockets of every American adult within the next two weeks. Mnuchin has estimated that unemployment could reach 20% nationwide, with residents unable to afford basics like rent, food and utilities. Ideas for an additional stimulus bill are expected to be submitted to the Senate this week.•    The Senate is being told by Leader Mitch McConnell to gird their loins and pass the Coronavirus relief deal this week, after it passed the House with unanimous consent.•    Schools across the country are closing, as parents scramble to find care for their children and teachers prepare to merge into an online teaching platform.•    Social distancing is being requested, with a minimum of six feet between individuals in public spaces.•    Ohio’s governor closed voting sites due to fears of viral spread, and the most recent Democratic debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders was held sans audience.•    All nonessential airline travel is being discouraged, and U.S. airlines are seeking over $50 billion in bailouts. Boeing is requesting over $60 billion from the U.S. government. Locally:•    Residents of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties are being told to shelter-in-place. Essential businesses must remain open, including:•          Healthcare operations and infrastructure (hospitals, utility PG&E)•          Grocers, farmers’ markets, farm and produce stands, food banks, convenience stores, and other retailers selling food — including those that also sell products aside from food•          Food cultivation businesses (farming, fishing)•          Businesses or organizations providing social services, food or shelter to the needy•          Newspapers, television, radio and other media•          Gas stations and auto-related businesses, including repair shops•          Banks and financial institutions•          Hardware stores•          Plumbers, electricians, and other service providers that keep businesses running•          Shipping and mailing businesses•          Educational institutions — like schools — to provide distance learning and other essential functions•          Laundry services (laundromats, dry cleaning companies)•          Restaurants for delivery and take-out only•          Businesses that supply people with items required to work from home, or businesses that supply essential businesses with necessary supplies•          Businesses that ship groceries and supplies directly to homes•          Airlines, taxis, and private transportation services•          Home-based and residential care for seniors, adults and kids•          Legal and accounting services that keep businesses in compliance•          Childcare facilities, with certain stipulations, like only having groups of 12 kids together at a time•    Both Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties are recommending self-isolation for people over 65, and those with serious chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems.•    Gatherings of fewer than ten people are permitted, and those who are planning large events (weddings, graduations, reunions) are asked to postpone or cancel them.•    Restaurants that have remained open are permitted to offer take-out and delivery only; no dine-in option is available.•    Santa Cruz County schools (in addition to other county schools) are currently closed through March 20th, but the word on the street is that Governor Gavin Newsom is considering extending that closure thru summer. (https://abc30.com/california-governor-gavin-newsom-warns-parents-to-be-prepared-for-schools-to-not-open-until-after-summer-break/6022808/)What can you do to help?•    Follow the recommendations of the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO) and the scientific community by practicing social distancing, staying at home as much as possible and following updated guidelines as they become available.•    Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, wipe down surfaces with virus-killing antiseptics and keep your hands away from your face.•    Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and try to get outside each day for some sunshine and fresh air.•    If you have symptoms of coronavirus (fever of 101 degrees or higher, dry cough, shortness of breath), follow the CDC’s recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html•    For answers to frequently asked questions, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html•    Finally—don’t publish alternative facts. If you see something online that you just have to post on Facebook, double-check the accuracy of the information to avoid spreading rumors and upping the panic quotient in our community.Look—we’ve been through a lot together. Earthquakes and mudslides, power outages and closed highways. This is difficult, but strong communities are a force of nature, and by staying informed and providing support to those who need it, we’ll make it through this, too.There is SO much more to know—we could do an entire edition on just COVID-19—but as things change, we’ll keep you updated. Be well, stay hydrated, stay at home (except for that daily dose of sunshine, exercise and Vitamin D) and wash. your. hands. 

Spring break Camp at Twin Flames Creative Space

Since the threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus) first emerged in Santa Cruz County, the City of Scotts Valley has been closely monitoring and coordinating with our county’s top officials.   We are meeting this quickly escalating threat to our community’s health with swift action under the advice of the County’s Public Health Official, the California Department of Public Health and the CDC. 

Whether you sent in a ballot or made it out to the polls, I hope you made your voice heard on March 3rd ! Although not all votes have yet to be tallied, some are still coming through the mail, let’s review the preliminary results, updated on March 9th. The official results for the County of Santa Cruz can be found here: https://sccounty01.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/ElectionSites/ElectionResults/Results, but they can be a little difficult to parse through.  Gail L. Pellerin, Santa Cruz County Clerk, expects all votes to be counted and results finalized by March 31st.  Below is a quick summary of results that involve our community, beginning with Measures. All votes have been rounded to the nearest percentage.

As voters headed to their polling places and mailboxes to cast their votes in the Primary Election on Tuesday, March 3rd, California (along with 13 other states) hosted Super Tuesday, a day in which nearly 1/3 of all delegates are won by candidates. In addition to the 14 states, American Samoa caucuses also took place on that same day, amounting to 1,357 pledged delegates.With a prize of California’s 415 delegates, our state is a highly sought after golden ticket, and is considered a major player in determining the shape of the November election. In chatting with a few voters (well outside the boundaries of the polling place, as well as online in the days leading up to the election), there was little consensus on candidates and measures.Measure R (Cabrillo College Technology, Job Training and Classroom Repair Measure) would provide Cabrillo with $17,000,000 annually to invest in updating and modernizing sites, facilities and equipment. While the college is considered a local jewel by many, feedback was mixed. Voter J.G. said she’s not sure that Cabrillo is worthy of the investment. “I know we attract a lot of out-of-town students due to the climate and sports programs at the college,” she said, “but I don’t think my money should go to improving facilities I’ll never use.” Parent K.S. felt otherwise. “Both of my kids plan to go to Cabrillo after high school,” he said. “I think all students should have access to great systems and modern equipment, especially if we’re competing with countries like China who have better stuff for their students than we do. When my kids get into the workforce, I want them to have an edge, and I think this bond measure will help with that,” he said. First-time voter L.P. was excited to cast his ballot for the measure. “For my first time voting, I get to vote on something that will actually help me,” he said. “I’m going to Cabrillo in the fall, and it would be great if they had new computers and technology because of my vote.” The measure needs approval by at least 55% of voters within the school’s “district.” The boundaries of the Cabrillo Community College District include San Benito (population 60,310), Santa Cruz (275,897) and Monterey (437,907) Counties, which means that there are a lot of voters who may weigh in on the measure’s success.For Measure S (San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Bond Issue), 55% of all voters in the district would need to vote yes; the result would be an issuance of $75M in bonds, raising $4.3M annually to repair aging infrastructure, construct new Science/Engineering facilities and make health and safety improvement to all schools in the district. Once again, residents were mixed on the potential for raising capital to benefit education. “My kids all went to school there,” said R.L., “and they liked it, but we keep giving the district money, like, every year. First they got a pool, and then they got a turf field, and then the new building outside (the new Performing Arts Center which opened in February, 2015). Enough is enough, man.” J.P. wondered where else the money would go. “They’re always asking for money, and I get that schools aren’t funded like the military,” he said, “but how come they can’t do it all at once? If they budgeted better, we wouldn’t have our taxes raised every few years.” First-time voter L.P. weighed in on this one, too. “I graduated from there, and they’ve got some really cool things like the hydroponics and the PAC (Performing Arts Center). I’m glad they had that stuff when I was there, so I voted yes because that stuff inspires the students.” When asked if he was a homeowner, he admitted he wasn’t, but said his parents are. “They can afford it,” he grinned.Finally, a few people mentioned their votes for president, but most kept it under wraps. Of the 12 people who agreed to be interviewed, four were for Biden, and three were for Sanders. One was for Warren, and an enthusiastic 4-year old wore a “Bernie or Bust” t-shirt as she drew a heart on a piece of paper. Clutching her “ballot,” she galloped into the afternoon sun, blissfully unaware that her parents had cast votes that could forever determine her future.

The City of Santa Cruz reminds the community that political and other yard signs do not belong in blue recycling bins. Instead, they may be properly recycled when delivered to the City of Santa Cruz Corporation Yard, 1125 River St., from Tuesday, March 3, through Friday, March 6, during the operating hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Yard signs may also be dropped at the City’s Resource Recovery Facility, 605 Dimeo Lane, any Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.