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By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 04, 2024

Barricades being installed outside the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 3, 2024, Barricades being installed outside the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 3, 2024, Image credit: CALocal photo

A Cure for Election Anxiety

First: If, like me, you are one of those procrastinators who still celebrates Election Day the traditional way, a reminder that a few scrolls below, you will find a quick-and-easy list of stories from newsrooms in your county that might help you with your decisions.

And: Here is a handy, comprehensive set of Voting FAQs from our friends at Local News Matters.

The subject line for this edition of The Newsletter was going to be “a love letter to democracy”—a nickname Chris Neklason has given to a series of blog posts that we take turns writing. As you may have noticed, I chose a different angle.

I began to change my mind after I saw a couple of texts from family members in Washington D.C.. “The Observatory is being boarded up,” the first text read, referring to the historic U.S. Naval Observatory, which since 1977 has served as the residence of the vice president of the United States. A reply came shortly thereafter: “That means they’re expecting violence.”

A few minutes later I saw Steve Bannon’s face on the front page of the New York Times alongside a disturbing article, and that sealed the deal. A headline reported that Bannon and his allies are spreading disinformation “inviting chaos if Harris wins the race.” 

If you have been protecting your mental health by avoiding frightening news like this, forgive me; I believe the photograph above says all we need to say about our perilous situation right now, so let’s jump immediately to the love-letter portion of this note. 

Let’s get to the good news—the running theme here at the Newsletter: how democracy works.


A Love Letter to Democracy

It was Chris N. himself who suggested the headline just above as a subject for this week’s Newsletter. He did so because he spent much of last week reading scores of news stories in the 10 counties we serve, and came away from that exercise feeling hopeful.

All over Northern California, and all across the nation for that matter, people are in the process of making decisions about the cities and counties they call home. Chris, who is in the unique position of surveying and accumulating information about civic life from Big Sur to Lake Tahoe, reports that local news outlets statewide are doing a good job of getting their readers the information they need to vote.                                                                                                               

A few years back, when building the database that underlies California Local, Chris made a similar discovery— and wrote about it in our first love letter to democracy. Then-managing editor, Sharan Street made her own discovery several months later—her love note also has Evergreen value. Taken together, I hope they help with your sanity.


The Genius of Democracy

A graph of a social network.
In which we ponder human self organization.

I’ve Got a Hunch


And I know you have one as well. Let’s compare notes.


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


Recipe of the Week

Our friends at Sacramento Digs Gardening publish a recipe from their gardens every Sunday, which we feature here so you can start your week with some yum.

See more recipes in their Taste Fall! cookbook.


Pumpkin spice season deserves a hearty breakfast

These pumpkin pancakes are a great choice for an autumn breakfast.
New! Spiced pumpkin pancakes make use of favorite fall flavors


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Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County logo Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County

Second Harvest is a nonprofit organization with a mission to “inspire and support Santa Cruz County to provide nourishment for all community members.”

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From Our Media Allies

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Local News Matters Stockton logo State Water Officials Alarmed at Discovery of Invasive Mussel Species in Port of Stockton

A “significant threat” to the Delta has been discovered in the Port of Stockton. The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), an invasive, non-native freshwater bivalve, was recently discovered in the port by California Department of Water Resources staff while conducting routine …

Santa Cruz Local logo Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide Covers Local Races and Ballot Measures

Santa Cruz Local’s Election Guide is the most comprehensive guide to candidates and ballot measures in Santa Cruz County.
The guide provides in-depth and nonpartisan information to help voters understand candidates’ positions on the issues. It also explains 17 ballot …

Santa Cruz Local logo As Live Oak Rail-Trail Plans Sharpen, Mobile-Home Owners Dig In

Some mobile homes near 38th Avenue and the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line in Live Oak are in the rail line’s right-of-way and could be moved for the rail-trail project.

Santa Cruz Local logo Pajaro Flood Survivors’ Stories Come to Life in New Exhibit

A new audio-visual project collects stories from Pajaro residents displaced by the March 2023 Pajaro River flood.

The Pajaronian logo County Installs Dumping Surveillance Cameras

The County of Santa Cruz has begun installing surveillance cameras at key locations in unincorporated areas of the County to help prevent illegal dumping, a strategy to protect the environment and help keep Santa Cruz County clean.

The Pajaronian logo Supervisors Green-Light Dispensary Smoking Lounges

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a plan to allow customers in marijuana dispensaries to smoke onsite in so-called cannabis lounges.

The Pajaronian logo Watsonville Community Hospital Once Again Under Local Ownership

Watsonville Community Hospital and the Pajaro Valley Health Care District announced Friday that the building–and the property that surrounds it–once again belongs to the community.

KSQD logo Everything You Need to Know About Running a Local Election – Talk of the Bay

Some of you may have heard: We're having an election next week. And while there's, rightly, lots of focus on the various candidates and the measures that voters will weigh in on in only a few days, there is not …

The Pajaronian logo PVWMA Marks 40th Year

The Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency celebrated its 40th anniversary Tuesday during a lively open house gathering.

Press Banner logo Ben Lomond’s Colorful Past Takes Center Stage in History Presentation

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Press Banner logo Scotts Valley Candidates Make Final Pitches to Voters

Unlike some of its neighbor municipalities on the Silicon Valley side of the hill, like Monte Sereno and Los Gatos—which canceled their council elections when no more hopefuls put their name in the ring than the number of seats available—Scotts …

Good Times logo Bigfoot Discovery Museum Set to Close

One of Santa Cruz’s signature outposts, the Bigfoot Discovery Museum is set to close pending the sale of land at 5497 Highway 9 in Felton. Owner and museum curator Michael Rugg listed the property for sale Oct. 18, and expects …

Good Times logo Scotts Valley Contender Steve Clark Has Battled Activists for Decades

There are three Scotts Valley City Council seats up for grabs this election, and Donna Lind, a retired Scotts Valley Police Department sergeant, is the only sitting member seeking another term. She’s formed a slate with food industry salesman Corky …

Good Times logo Talk of Plans for Iconic Silver Spur Site Kicks Up Debate

Emotions ran high during a recent community meeting to discuss the future of the beloved Silver Spur restaurant and the big changes coming to the neighborhood.

KSQD logo Interview: Kristen Brown, Candidate for District 2 Santa Cruz County Supervisor – Talk of the Bay

In this engaging interview, Kristen Brown, the current mayor of Capitola and candidate for Santa Cruz County Supervisor (District 2), discusses the final stretch of her campaign with host Bodie Shargel.

Santa Cruz Local logo Cabrillo College Trustees to Choose Developer for Student Housing

A sports field off Cabrillo College Drive near Highway 1 is expected to be redeveloped into a housing project for Cabrillo and UC Santa Cruz students.

Hilltromper Santa Cruz logo Building a Resilient Future at Seacliff State Beach

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks helps the agency gather public input for a new vision at Seacliff and New Brighton State Beaches.

Santa Cruz Local logo ‘Concerning’ Use of Force Described in Santa Cruz County Inspector General Report

The Santa Cruz County Office of the Inspector General plans to share findings of its first report and gather input in a meeting Monday and at a Santa Cruz County supervisors meeting Tuesday.

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Recent Local News

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Operation Green Lights in Santa Cruz

In honor of local veterans, Santa Cruz County is participating in the annual Operation Green Lights by illuminating the main administration building at 701 Ocean Street with green lights through Veteran's Day November 11.

(11/04/2024) → Lookout Local

Affordable Housing on Soquel Drive

Jondi Gumz summarizes the surge in affordable housing development on Soquel Drive.

(11/02/2024) → Times Publishing Group

Builders Remedy Development Planned for Graham Hill Rd

A forty-acre site on Graham Hill Road is being proposed for development of 161 homes to include 20% affordable units to fall under the so-called "builders remedy."

(11/02/2024) → Times Publishing Group

Campaign Finance: Scotts Valley City Council

A summary of campaign finance filings for the candidates running for seats on the Szcotts Valley City Council in the November 5 election.

(11/01/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel

Donate to Support Santa Cruz County Recreation Scholarships

Your donation to County Park Friends will help raise $30,000 for scholarships so local youth can participate in Santa Cruz County parks and recreation programs. Click to learn more.

(11/01/2024) → Lookout Local

Santa Cruz County to Distribute $3.44 to Local Community Nonprofit Programs

Learn more about the 28 community nonprofit programs selected to receive the funding and a summary of the Collective of Results and Evidence-Based (CORE) process used to select recipients.

(10/31/2024) → Lookout Local

Live Oak School District Layoffs Expected

The Live Oak School District is expected to go through another round of layoffs to stabilize finances and address a budget deficit.

(10/31/2024) → Lookout Local

KZSC Celebrates 50 Years

A look at UCSC student led radio station KZSC as it enters its 50th year.

(10/31/2024) → City on a Hill

Tree Removal to Close Highway 17 Northbound Lane

Learn more about how the tree removal work between November 4 and 11 will affect your commute over the hill.

(10/30/2024) → Lookout Local

Public Input Open for Measure D Spending

The public is invited to provide input on how the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission should allocate revenue from 2016's Measure D to local transportation programs. Click to learn how you can weigh in.

(10/30/2024) → Lookout Local

General Inspector Releases First Report

The new Office of Inspector General has been released noting concerns about use-of-force, deaths in custody and conditions at the county jail.

(10/29/2024) → Lookout Local
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Recent Statewide News

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• GivingTuesday Explained

Learn more about the annual fundraising day on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, this year falling on December 3.

(11/04/2024) → Monterey Herald

• Santa Clara County Ramps Up Response as Invasive Mosquito Detected in More Areas

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(11/01/2024) → Local News Matters

• A Century Later, Salmon Again Spawning in Klamath River After Dams Removed

Sixty years ago, I was a reporter for the Klamath Falls (Oregon) Herald and News and with my family lived in a small house on the Link River, which flows out of Upper Klamath Lake, draining a large portion of the Cascade mountain range.

(10/31/2024) → CalMatters

• It’s Hard to Vote in California When You’re Homeless. Why It Matters When Their Voices Are Silenced

Homeless Californians face many barriers to casting a ballot, even in elections that affect their lives. Some counties and nonprofits are trying to boost turnout.

(10/30/2024) → CalMatters

• A Third Straight Year With No California Salmon Fishing?  Early Fish Counts Suggest It Could Happen

Low counts of spawning salmon could mean another year without fishing. Experts say the outlook still has time to turn around.

(10/30/2024) → CalMatters

• Bird Flu Jumped From Cows to People. Now Advocates Want More Farmworkers Tested

A strain of bird flu that imperiled California poultry and cattle has jumped to people. In humans, the symptoms are mild and the virus has not been transmitted among people.

(10/29/2024) → CalMatters

• California’s Transition Off Carbon Fuels Could Upset Gasoline Supply, Prices

California motorists buy and consume a billion gallons of gasoline each month and are very sensitive about pump prices, which are markedly higher than those in other states. Naturally, they are a political football.

(10/29/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. County of Santa Cruz   (11/04/2024)

11/4/2024 - Santa Cruz County Awarded $5.08 Million to Address Homelessness

Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. County of Santa Cruz   (11/04/2024)

Santa Cruz County Public Health Releases the 2024 Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Report

Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. County of Santa Cruz   (11/04/2024)

Salud Pública del Condado de Santa Cruz Publica el Informe de Salud Maternoinfantil y de Adolescentes de 2024

Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. County of Santa Cruz   (11/04/2024)

11/4/2024 - County Building Illumination to Recogize Veterans

Image of United States seal. United States   (11/03/2024)

Savencia Cheese USA Announces an Expanded Voluntary Recall of Select Soft Ripened Cheeses

Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and
Image of United States seal. United States   (11/02/2024)

Savencia Cheese USA Announces Voluntary Recall of Select Soft Ripened Cheeses

Savencia Cheese USA is recalling select soft ripened cheeses manufactured in our Lena manufacturing facility because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and
Image of United States seal. United States   (10/31/2024)

HH Fresh Trading Corp Recalls Taiwan Enoki 200gx25pk Because of Possible Health Risk

Because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms suc
Image of City of Scotts Valley seal. City of Scotts Valley   (10/31/2024)

Ya gotta believe

In the October edition of the Mayor's Column, Mayor Johnson writes about the proposed updates to Scotts Valley Drive.
Image of City of Scotts Valley seal. City of Scotts Valley   (10/31/2024)

Honoring the Educational Journey

In the November edition of the Mayor's Column Mayor Johnson reflects on the importance of education in a community.
Image of United States seal. United States   (10/31/2024)

Elevation Foods Issues Recall Due to Undeclared Soy in Hannaford Seafood Salad

Danvers, Massachusetts. R. Walters LLC dba Elevation Foods is recalling 1,668 units of mislabeled Hannaford Seafood Salad 12oz because it contains an undeclared Soy allergen. Consumers with an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they