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Aptos
August 28, 2025

Painting class at La Selva Beach.

Watsonville artist Bonni Carver heads up a painting class recently on the cliffs above the sea at La Selva Beach. Photo by Tarmo Hannula

Rancho Del Mar project approved

The company will perform series of façade renovations at the center at State Park and Soquel drive

Making the future

For many, the process of 3D printing is still akin to magic. Witnessing a digital design take shape in a physical form through a 3D printer, creating everything from architectural models to human prosthetics, seems like a miracle — until you actually understand the science behind it. Since Jan. 20, a sizable collection of 3D printers, along with laser and vinyl cutters, routers, soldering stations and more are now available to Cabrillo College students, faculty and the community at the school’s new Makerspace center.

Aptos honors community leaders

In June 2016, the Santa Cruz Playground Project embarked on a two-year capital campaign to raise nearly $2 million for an inclusive playground. Named LEO’s Haven, the playground, designed in a way so a child with a disability can play side-by-side with their friends, will be built at Chanticleer Park in Live Oak.

Operation Surf hits Capitola Beach

Martin Pollock was deployed to Afghanistan after he completed training in the British Army. He was severely injured just four months later in a blast that took both legs and his left arm. After five years of rehabilitation, he was ready to get active, and he did so by trying various sports such as skiing and water skiing. Pollock, 34, said he finally found what he was searching for with surfing.

Stronger together

SOQUEL — A little more than six years ago, triplets Kevin, David and Jason Gonzalez and their brother Flavio walked into Sanford’s Martial Arts in Soquel for the first time, tied the white belt of a novice around their waist and began a journey that has required years of work, focus and dedication. Through the years, the Watsonville residents learned the series of moves and techniques that allowed them to move up through the ranks, respectively earning their yellow, orange, blue, green, purple and brown belts.

Riding a new wave

From serving freshly cooked food at banquets, special events, festivals and other community events, the two-man crew inside the ShockWave Food Truck is, well, riding a wave of success.

Teacher adds to his résumé

A local math teacher left for a trip to New York City, where he received a prestigious teaching award. Matt Engle, who teaches at Monterey Bay Academy, has received the 2017 Rosenthal Prize for Innovation in Math Teaching. Engle earned the $25,000 award for his lesson, titled “Bringing Similarity Into Light: Experiencing Similarity and Dilations Using Shadows.” The lesson examines the shadows of shapes to explore concepts such as ratio, dilation, and proportionality in triangles.

Congressman gives update to Aptos community

Congressman gives update to Aptos community Congressman Jimmy Panetta speaks with Pajaro Valley Unified School District board president Leslie DeRose on Aug. 14 during a luncheon presented by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce at the Best Western Seacliff Inn. Panetta, who was the guest speaker, described what he has been working on in Congress over the past year. He said many people across the country are "overwhelmed" and "confused" at the actions of the White House and Congress, stressing the importance of Republicans and Democrats working together to solve issues. "It feels like we have been governing on flurry," Panetta said. "It's time we govern on focus. You have to work with the other side to get things done." About 90 people were in attendance.

Out with the old

A wrecking crew tears down the former Marie Callender's restaurant at the Capitola Mall on Feb. 22 to clear the path for a new Olive Garden restaurant. Olive Garden is an American casual dining restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine, according to its website. The chain restaurant has more than 800 locations world-wide. Photo by Tarmo Hannula