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In This Issue...
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Around Aptos
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Congresswoman Eshoo brings the Capitol to Aptos
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Congresswoman Eshoo brings the Capitol to Aptos
In Aptos Chamber Breakfast Speech, Congresswoman Touches on the Hot Topics
By Leslie De Rose for the Aptos Chamber of Commerce
On Thursday, Apr, 13, the Seascape Resort in Aptos was the place to be. The sun shone brightly after weeks of driving rain that had just about everyone thinking Seattle may be a good place for a sunny vacation. Another bright spot on the same day was the arrival of 14th District United States Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. Congresswoman Eshoo came to speak to the Aptos Chamber membership at the monthly breakfast meeting.
Originally Representative Sam Farr was to speak but was called out of town at the last minute. Congresswoman Eshoo graciously stepped in and gave the audience insight into current events at the nation’s Capitol. Eshoo is the representative of the 14th District which includes parts of Aptos, Capitola and Santa Cruz.
Eshoo spoke of national security, the war in Iraq, the terrorist attacks of Sep. 11, the national deficit and education, all packed into a single 30-minute speech.
Opening with comments on the war in Iraq, Congresswoman Eshoo worried about the war’s costs. Funding for the war effort, by law, is to come from emergency funding, which has run out. At this time the war, which is costing the United States $1 billion per week, is charged to the national debt.
“This is the largest national debt in history. It will take a very long time to dig ourselves out of the fiscal ditch we are in. Our children and their children will be paying it down for years to come. Fiscal responsibility of Republicans is gone. It reminds me of the mud slides I saw while driving over highway 17 this morning. There needs to be checks and balances on all sides,” she said.
Congresswoman Eshoo, who serves on the National Intelligence Committee which reformed after the Sep. 11 attacks, spoke of the obstacles the committee has run into on issues including domestic spying and internal investigations. According to Eshoo, there is a law that permits the government to monitor phone calls and other electronic communications within the United States but only under procedures that protect civil liberties.
Within 72 hours after surveillance has begun, reports must be presented to the FISA court (Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act) which then approves further surveillance, if warranted. In the three decades the law has been on the books, only a handful of warrants have been denied by the FISA court, so she believes the law has been working. However, President Bush has called this process cumbersome and initiated a secret program to bypass the FISA court’s oversight.
“It is Congress’ job to get back to the law as it stands, as no one is above the law, which is what this country was built on, the law is absolutely clear. It is the job of the Administration to brief the Intelligence Committee and they routinely refuse to do so. This is not a witch hunt; these laws go with any administration.” Eshoo was stunned and was literally “shaking when I learned of the domestic wiretapping going on from an article in the New York Times. Regarding world views on United States intelligence, we have always set the gold standard. … not anymore.”
Speaking on immigration, one of the most debated topics facing our nation today, Congresswoman Eshoo feels the bill Congress is currently working on is “cruel and makes felons out of children. I did not vote for it.”
A bipartisan compromise was reached, but fell apart the next day when Republicans demanded 22 amendments to the bill that Democrats rejected.
Following her speech, Eshoo took questions from the audience and immediately asked to be called by her first name. Tough issues facing Congress aside, Congresswoman Eshoo called herself an optimist. Her optimism has helped her keep her focus on representing the 14th District and working toward accountability in both the Bush and Clinton administrations.
The breakfast closed with a standing ovation for Congresswoman Eshoo from the 100 member audience.
Upcoming Chamber Events
The Aptos Chamber of Commerce with the Central Coast Small Business Development Center, Coast Commercial Bank, Dana Werdmuller Advertising & Design and Santa Cruz County Bank present “Small Business Marketing-Spring 2006.” This series will provide small businesses with useful marketing tools that will assist in promoting your business to the local market and beyond.
The first in the series, “Effective Public Relations - Getting Your Story Out” was held on Thursday, Mar. 23, and was presented by Mary Anne Carson, Vice President, Director of Marketing for Santa Cruz County Bank. It was a huge success.
Make your reservations for the next seminar, “Marketing through Extraordinary Customer Service,” to be held on Apr. 27 with Teresa Thomae, Director, Small Business Development Center at Cabrillo College. Topics will include “Creating a Customer Friendly Environment,” “Empowering Em-ployees,” and “Customer Recognition.” The cost to attend is $35 for Aptos Chamber members and $45 for non-members.
What’s Your Game?
Tennis, volleyball, bocce ball, basketball? Sign up for the Aptos Challenger Tennis Tournament and BBQ Mixer on Friday, May 12, and get a little of everything. The round-robin mixed doubles tournament is held annually at Seascape Sports Club and is always a fun-filled day with plenty of food, fun and prizes. Firstnet Mortgage is sponsoring this year and invites you to play whether you are a novice or a pro. There is room for all levels! Southern Exposure Catering will provide a gourmet BBQ following the tournament. For registration for Tennis, BBQ or both, call the Chamber office.
The 13th Annual Aptos Scramble Golf Tournament
On Friday, June 23, Seascape Golf Club will again host the annual fundraiser for the Chamber. Come out for a shotgun “best ball” tournament with an abundance of games food, prizes and networking. Sign up one, two, three or four players. Sponsorships are available in several different levels to accommodate all businesses, large or small.
Aptos History Museum
The Apple Lane Inn in Soquel will host the next Dining for History night to help support the Aptos History Museum on Thursday, May 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Doug Groom, owner of the Inn, will provide a Spaghetti Feed, tour of the property and historical background on the building for guests to enjoy. The Museum will be ready to open on Thursday, May 24.
The Museum has recently undergone an expansion project to include new artifacts, displays, lighting and paint. Hundreds of hours have been donated by tireless volunteers who have brought their ideas to fruition for the good of the community. All who live here and come to visit will be able to learn the rich history behind Aptos. The cost to attend is $35. All proceeds go to the Aptos History Museum.
Warmest thanks to Severino’s Grill at Best Western Seacliff for raising over $400 for the Dining for History night on Apr. 8.
For reservations to any of the above mentioned events, call 831-688-1467 or email info @aptoschamber.com.
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