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By Eric Johnson
Published Apr 08, 2024

The Douglas iris is a wildflower native to central and northern California and parts of southern Oregon.
The Douglas iris is a wildflower native to central and northern California and parts of southern Oregon.
Image credit: Traci Hukill

Greetings & Spring Things from Santa Cruz

(Blogpost extra: In a last-minute addition to this edition of The Newsletter, I share some thoughts on today's eclipse. See below.)

The first time I recall encountering a field of Douglas irises, which may have been at Wilder Ranch State Park just north of Santa Cruz, I looked around for the ruins of a homestead. It didn't occur to me that these could be wildflowers—I figured they had to be remnants of some long-ago-planted garden.

I grew up ten miles from Manhattan in New Jersey, which is known as the Garden State, and deserves that nickname outside the brutalized swath that is the Turnpike. But the woods that flanked the Hackensack River and surrounded the Oradell Reservoir, my childhood nature refuges, had nothing to compare with the Douglas iris. Or the California poppy. Or, to my knowledge, the Calochortus lily (see below). All of California is special in my eyes, and Santa Cruz maybe especially so.

I write as always from my beloved home in the urban forest that is Midtown Sacramento, and take you today to another of my hometowns. 


A Spring Guide, a Garden, and a Bunch of Pretty Murals

Even if you aren't planning to visit Santa Cruz this spring, you might enjoy this virtual visit. 


Natural Wonders of Santa Cruz ... Spring Renewal

When walking around this spring, keep an eye out for the stunning Calochortus lily.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has some tips on what to see in the blossoming new season, from wildflowers to migrating shorebirds to humpback whales.

A Native-Plant Garden Helps Transform a Neighborhood

Felicia Van Stolk in her museum's front-yard garden.
On Hilltromper, a conversation with Felicia Van Stolk of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History about her Garden Learning Center.

Santa Cruz Murals

An online gallery of the murals of Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz County is home to amazing murals. One amazing person is working to document them in one place.


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Nevada County's Homepage

Direct your browser to https://nevada.californialocal.com/ to catch up on the latest news in California and Nevada County. Bookmark the link and visit often, there's a lot happening in your community!


Eclipse 2024: Coincidence or Miracle?

Three pieces in the nation's two biggest newspapers on Sunday investigated the eclipse, the emotion we call "awe," and the meaning of the universe.


The Universe Winks

A  total solar eclipse can offer a rare opportunity to see stars and planets during the day.
There is no scientific explanation for the conditions that make an eclipse inevitable. It’s a coincidence. Or a miracle.


Get to Know a Group

Santa Cruz Baroque Festival logo Santa Cruz Baroque Festival

The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival has been active since 1974, presenting early music as it sounded in its own era. Members strive for artistic excellence while transmitting the joy of Baroque music to future generations.

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From Our Media Allies

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KSQD logo Santa Cruz County Actors’ Theater Presents Powerful Local Drama: White Sky, Falling Dragon

White Sky, Falling Dragon is a play in two acts by playwright, and Director, Steve “Spike” Wong. The play runs April 19 through May 5.

The Pajaronian logo Carmageddon: Highway 1 Closed for 24 Hours

The California Highway Patrol closed north and southbound lanes of Highway 1 in Soquel Saturday at 7pm to make way for Granite Construction crews to demolish the 1948 Capitola Avenue bridge above the highway.

Press Banner logo Igniting Connections: The Resurgence of Networking in the SLV Business Community

A quiet revolution is underway in Santa Cruz Mountains’ lush valleys amidst the towering redwoods and winding creeks. It’s a tale of resilience, community and the enduring power of connections—the resurgence of networking in the San Lorenzo Valley (SLV).

KSQD logo California’s Insurance Crisis Hits Homeowners Hard

In this program, State Senator John Laird and Executive Director of Consumer Watchdog, Carmen Balber discuss California's homeowner's insurance crisis and whether Commissioner Ricardo Lara's proposed fixes will actually help the flight of insurance companies from the state or make …

The Pajaronian logo Highlighting Student Talent

Art instructors from 16 schools in Pajaro Valley Unified School District hung more than 400 pieces of student artwork in the Civic Plaza Building March 28 as part of the Annual PVUSD Student Art Exhibit.

The Pajaronian logo Protesters Demand Rail-Trail Project Move Forward

Several dozen protesters descended on the Santa Cruz County Government Center on Wednesday to speak out against a decision by the Board of Supervisors a week earlier not to move forward on a key portion of the Coastal Rail Trail …

The Pajaronian logo Exploring Directions for Watsonville’s Homeless Population

A special joint council meeting Saturday brought together Watsonville City Council, City Manager Rene Mendez, other city and county leaders and the public for a discussion of the swelling homeless problem.

Press Banner logo TEDxSantaCruz Announces Performers and Vendors for April Event

As TEDxSantaCruz 2024 gets closer, the team has announced the performers and vendors who will be rounding out the daylong event on Saturday, April 13, at the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus.

Press Banner logo Downtown Streets Team Joins Efforts for Cleaner Roads in Boulder Creek

Twice each year, in spring and fall, residents of Boulder Creek head downtown to participate in the Town Sweep. Weeds are pulled, sidewalks are swept and the stretch of Highway 9 that turns into Central Avenue is perfectly polished by …

KSQD logo The TRUE Story of Santa Cruz Rail & Trail

For over 6 months, KSQD volunteer Christine Barrington worked on answering a simple question: What's the truth behind the story of rail and trail in Santa Cruz County?

Press Banner logo HCD Certifies Scotts Valley’s Housing Element

During a report at Council today, Scotts Valley City Manager Mali LaGoe announced the California Department of Housing and Community Development had certified its Housing Element—on its first try.

Good Times logo Capitola on the Mend

The Wharf House Restaurant and the Boat and Bait Shop on the Capitola Wharf were torn down and toted away over the past few weeks as part of major repair and rebuilding of the historic landmark.

Hilltromper Santa Cruz logo The Wildflowers of Seabright & the Garden Learning Center

Felicia Van Stolk of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History explains how a California native-plant garden benefits wildlife in the neighborhood and beyond.

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Recent Local News

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Sempervirens Fund Welcomes New Members to Board
Marimo Berk and Brad Lewis joined the Board of Directors of Sempervirens Fund, the oldest land trust in California.
(04/07/2024) Santa Cruz Sentinel
Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley Awarded Grant
Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley was awarded a $2M by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
(04/07/2024) Times Publishing Group
Sowing Seeds: Filipino American Stories from the Pajaro Valley
A new exhibit opening April 12 at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History tells the story of Filipino migration and labor in Watsonville and the greater Pajaro Valley from the 1930s to the present.
(04/06/2024) Times Publishing Group
Santa Cruz County Budget Hearings Scheduled
Public hearings for the recently released $1.1B annual budget have been scheduled for May and June by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.
(04/05/2024) Santa Cruz Sentinel
Rail Trail Advocates Rally
Supporters of the rail trail rallied in front of the Santa Cruz County building on April 3 to advocate for approval of segments 10 and 11.
(04/04/2024) Lookout Local
Santa Cruz County Election Results Certified
The Santa Cruz County clerk officially certified the March 5 election vote count on April 2.
(04/04/2024) Santa Cruz Sentinel
Permanent Location for Sought for Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market
Feedback is being solicited by the City of Santa Cruz for a new location for the downtown farmers market, which will be displaced when the library/parking garage project begins.
(04/04/2024) Santa Cruz Sentinel
18 Story Building Proposed for Downtown Santa Cruz
Plans for an 18 story building 192 feet tall were submitted to the City of Santa Cruz planning department.
(04/03/2024) Lookout Local
Santa Cruz Parking Ban Renewal Challenged
Local homeless and housing rights activist Reggie Meisler filed a challenge to the renewal of the City of Santa Cruz large-vehicle parking ban.
(04/03/2024) Santa Cruz Sentinel
Measure N Passes and is Certified
The official vote count for Measure N in support of Watsonville Community Hospital passed and was certified on April 4 by the Santa Cruz and Monterey county elections departments.
(04/03/2024) Santa Cruz Sentinel
Mile Buoy to Remain
Following an outpouring of support, the United States Coast Guard announced it is no longer considering the removal of the Mile Buoy.
(04/02/2024) Santa Cruz Sentinel
New Skypark Playground Opens
In the planning stages since 2021, a new inclusive and accessible playground opened at Skypark.
(04/02/2024) Times Publishing Group
Proposition 1 Passed. Now What?
The passage of California Proposition 1 is leaving local mental health and homeless service providers with questions as to the impact in the count.
(04/02/2024) Lookout Local
Fundraiser for Pajaro Valley Education Foundation Set for April 18
A dinner and silent auction fundraiser for the Pajaro Valley Education Foundation is set to take place on Aril 18 at Jalisco's, 618 Main Street in Watsonville.
(04/02/2024) Santa Cruz Sentinel
State Grant Funding Threatened After Rail Trail Vote
A recent split vote by Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors stalling approval of two rail trail segments is jeopardizing future state funding for the project.
(04/01/2024) Santa Cruz Sentinel
SeeClickFix Comes to Watsonville
The City of Watsonville announced a partnership with a Connecticut based software company to utilize the SeeClickFix mobile app for citizens to report non-emergency issues.
(04/01/2024) Santa Cruz Sentinel
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Recent Statewide News

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Electric Vehicle Drivers May Not Be Able to Ride Solo in Calif. Carpool Lanes Anymore
A program that allows solo drivers of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to use carpool lanes on freeways and bridges in California may be removed for good next year.
(04/09/2024) SF Gate
California Fails to Track Its Homelessness Spending or Results, a New Audit Says
There’s so little data available, it’s impossible to even tell if several of California’s largest homelessness programs are working, according to a statewide audit released Tuesday.
(04/09/2024) CalMatters
We Must Take Better Care of Our Home-Based Child Care Providers
These professionals provide essential services, but their pay and working conditions do not reflect their value, and their health suffers.
(04/09/2024) EdSource
California Fails to Adequately Help Blind and Deaf Prisoners, US Judge Rules
Thirty years after prisoners with disabilities sued the state of California and 25 years after a federal court first ordered accommodations, a judge found that state prison and parole officials still are not doing enough to help deaf and blind prisoners.
(04/08/2024) California Healthline
Business Groups and Lawmakers Battle Over Ballot Measure to Limit California Tax Increases
Anti-tax groups in California have qualified a measure for the November ballot that would make raising state and local taxes much more difficult. It’s a showdown that’s been building for nearly five decades.
(04/08/2024) CalMatters
Opinion: I've Covered California's Homeless Since Before the Word Was Used. This Is What I Learned
I thought my journalism and others’ could change policy, perhaps even inspire a New Deal-style response equal to the challenge. Such was my naiveté.
(04/06/2024) Los Angeles Times
These Californians Just Got Protection From Big Rent Hikes
Tenants in many new privately owned, low-income units will be protected from double-digit increases. So will some in existing units, after a state committee on affordable housing imposed a rent cap.
(04/05/2024) CalMatters
CA Budget Deal Gets Early Start on Deficit
Not filling open positions in state government, cutting a school facilities program and several climate initiatives, delaying funding for public transit — these are some of the first steps that California officials plan to take to deal with a looming multibillion-dollar budget deficit.
(04/05/2024) CalMatters
Bill to Mandate ‘Science of Reading’ in California Schools Faces Teachers Union Opposition
The move puts the fate of AB 2222 in question, but supporters insist that there is room to negotiate changes that can help tackle the state's literacy crisis.
(04/04/2024) EdSource
Photographers Capture Spectacular Streaking Lights of Southern California
It quickly became clear that Elon Musk’s SpaceX was responsible for the show. The lights were a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 22 new Starlink satellites into orbit. The rocket blasted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 7:30 p.m., and it’s trail was visible from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park.
(04/02/2024) SF Gate
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. Global Mix, Inc Recalls Tejocote Products Because of Possible Health Risk
Global Mix, Inc. of New York, is recalling tejocote products to include the following brands: Eva Nutrition, Science of Alpha, Niwali, NWL Nutra. The recalled products are labeled as tejocote root but are toxic yellow oleander. Ingestion of yellow oleander can cause neurologic, gastrointestinal, an
United States   (04/05/2024)
Image of State of California seal. Megan Dahle CA Assembly 01: Honoring Lieutenant Commander Lou Conter
Greetings Today I write with a heavy heart as we collectively mourn the passing of a true American hero Lieutenant Commander Lou Conter the last living survivor of the USS Arizona and resident of Californias 1st Assembly District. Many of you may remember our privilege of honoring Lieutenant Commander Conter during our celebration of Armed [...] The post Honoring Lieutenant …
State of California   (04/05/2024)
Image of United States seal. World Green Nutrition, Inc. Announces Expansion of Recall of Tejocote Products Due to the Presence of Yellow Oleander
World Green Nutrition, Inc is announcing the expansion of their January 12, 2024 recall to include GREEN ELV NUTRITION brand Elv Control Herbal Supplement 90 capsules, due to the presence of yellow oleander. These additional products have been found via random FDA testing to contain yellow oleander,
United States   (04/02/2024)
Image of United States seal. Abdallah Candies Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Almond in Abdallahs 8 oz. Sea Salt Almond Alligators
Abdallah Candies of Apple Valley, MN is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of Abdallah Candies 8 oz. sea salt almond alligators. The products have a chocolate covered cherries label with code 0315 on the bottom of the box. The boxes do contain sea salt almond alligators but have an incorrect i
United States   (04/02/2024)
Image of State of California seal. Megan Dahle CA Assembly 01: Update from the Capitol
Greetings Last week was spring recess signifying a break in legislative session. Nonetheless March was filled with engagements with lobbyists constituents and various organizations all sharing their perspectives on different policies. Some recent meetings from the Capitol include: California Tahoe Alliance: Team Dahle convened with this group to delve into legislative priorities. They presented a comprehensive [...] The post Update …
State of California   (04/01/2024)
Image of United States seal. Lidl Voluntarily Recalls Deluxe Branded Macarons Party Edition Due to Undeclared Allergens
Lidl US has announced a voluntary recall of Deluxe branded Macarons Party Edition due to undeclared allergens. The recall was issued due to undeclared wheat, soy, egg, milk, and tree nuts (almonds, pistachios, and coconut) in the products as a result of non-English ingredient labeling. People who ha
United States   (03/29/2024)
Image of United States seal. Tropicale Foods Recalls Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack Because of Possible Health Risk
Tropicale Foods of Modesto, CA is voluntarily recalling 5,224 units of Helados Mexico Mini Cream Variety Pack with best by date of "MO Best By 10/11/2025", because the mango bars in the variety pack have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and someti
United States   (03/29/2024)
Image of United States seal. Shawnee Milling Company Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk and Egg in "5lb. Food Club All Purpose Flour"
Shawnee Milling Company of Shawnee, Oklahoma is recalling 5 lb.Food Club brand All Purpose Flour with Best if Used by date 03/07/2025, because it may contain undeclared milk and egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs or milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic
United States   (03/28/2024)
Image of United States seal. Geisslers Supermarket Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg, Wheat, and Milk in Sushi Product
Geisslers Supermarket Inc. of East Windsor CT has issued a recall of all Sushi products produced by EZnoble Sushi for Geisslers Supermarket Inc. produced or purchased on 3/26/2024, and 3/27/2024, with a sell by date of 3/27/2024, and 3/28/2024. They may contain undeclared egg, wheat and milk. Custom
United States   (03/27/2024)
Image of State of California seal. Brian Dahle CA Senate 01: Senator Dahle Sheds Light on Democrats’ Dark Solar Scheme
Senator Dahle Sheds Light on Democrats Dark Solar Scheme SREPweb Wed, 03/27/2024 - 11:21
State of California   (03/27/2024)