Domestic and wild mammals fared pretty well during the Lockheed fire. Fish, not so much.
Articles by Kat Lynch
Capitola Mobile Home Park Set to Vacate
A cool coastal breeze flows between the coaches lining the uneven asphalt of the Surf and Sand Mobile Home Park overlooking the Monterey Bay. A community made up largely of retirees, the Capitola park’s future is looking dim. While a few residents use the Surf and Sand as the location of a second home, the formerly over-55 park is the only home to many of its residents, and its closure will leave many homeless. (With slide show)
Rally Protests Cuts to Domestic Violence Services
Thursday at the Santa Cruz clock tower, women’s services advocates rallied to protest the complete elimination of state support to domestic violence services under the state’s Department of Public Health.
Californians’ Eco-Zeal on The Wane
As the economy dips, so does support among Californians for policies that curb global warming, according to the most recent Public Policy Institute of California survey. While a majority still believe it’s important to reduce greenhouse gases, the survey, Californians and the Environment, indicates that support for AB 32—the 2006 law that requires emissions be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020—has declined seven points since last year.
Parks Department Not Out of the Woods Yet
The California budget crisis dealt the state parks system a new blow today when the governor vetoed an addition $6.2 million in funding, which will probably lead to the closure of at least 100 parks. According to the new budget, the state is cutting a total of $22.2 million from the parks budget. “It’s frustrating that the governor chose to make these additional cuts, despite the fact that our state parks are economic generators for Santa Cruz County and the state,” says Bonny Hawley, executive director of Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, “an important fact as we continue to plumb the bottom of the Great Recession.
Parks Supporters Breathe Sigh of Relief
California’s belated state budget agreement brings good news to parks lovers: barring any unforeseen circumstances, California will cut $8 million from its state parks rather than $70 million, and just a few parks might close rather than 220. Over the next couple of weeks the California State Parks Department will look closely at each park. “Those with high attendance and revenue will likely be safe. At the moment we’re not sure which ones will have to close,” says Roy Stearns, Deputy Director of Communications of California State Parks. “Santa Cruz County has a lot of state parks that have high revenue and attendance.
Shop Capitola Campaign Taking Shape
Following the example of Santa Cruz’s Think Local First campaign, the city of Capitola is now urging citizens to “Shop Capitola” and support local businesses. Shoppers should expect to see the emblem of a red and white life preserver popping up all around the city.
Santa Cruz Fencers Practice Swordplay
The clash of steel and the patter and squeak of athletic shoes fill the Waldorf High School gym. People wearing white and full of energy dance forward and backward, trying to catch their opponents off guard or waiting for the most opportune moment to attack. A beeping sound accompanied by a red or green light on the scoring machine resting on a chair identifies the winner of the point, or touché. (With slide show)
Critics Take Aim at New Strawberry Pesticide
If Gov. Schwarzenegger caves to political pressure, a new pesticide called methyl iodide could replace methyl bromide as the primary pest-fighter used by strawberry farmers. This might come as some relief to environmentalists who’ve been pushing the phaseout of the ozone-depleting methyl bromide. But there’s a catch: its would-be replacement is a highly volatile carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent.
Salon to Hold Cut-a-Thon in Memory of Local Stylist
On Sunday, July 12, Rumours Salon & Spa will host a cut-a-thon to benefit the family of stylist Raul Heredia, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident on June 23. More than 60 stylists volunteering their time will cut and style hair for $35 donations. Five baskets valued between $200 and $700 will be raffled off for $5 a ticket. Proceeds will go toward supporting Raul’s two children, Julia and Gavin.
