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By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 11, 2024

Thank you for your service. Thank you for your service.

Service to Country and Community

This Veterans Day we feature two articles about organizations that provide services to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

The first is the latest installment in Chris Neklason‘s Doing Good series of articles about “service clubs,” from the Soroptimists to Rotary International, which employ countless volunteers who together wage a vast, ongoing campaign of civic improvement.

This week, appropriately, Chris tells the fascinating story of the American Legion, the organization that brought us Veterans Day.

Also on the Veterans Day theme: a useful compendium of information about services available to California veterans. If you are a vet, or a friend or family member of a vet, you might find this information valuable and might want to keep it handy.

But first, we present a perspective on last week’s election that contains a surprising piece of hope.


Defending Democracy

In defining the justifications for the use of armed power in the world, former US National Security Advisor Anthony Lake put forward what can be seen as the primary mission of the United States military: “To preserve, promote and defend democracy, which enhances our security and the spread of our values.“

As an independent, non-partisan journalistic enterprise, California Local is nevertheless not neutral on the subject of democracy. As most of you know, we are also obsessively fond of the structures and institutions of democracy—including, for instance, the vast army of men and women who make up the federal workforce.

As both the concept of democracy and our democratic institutions themselves face a very real threat, we offer an appreciation of what’s at risk.


The Formula for the Days Ahead

The recipe for democracy is simple, with few ingredients, but requires time and our best energy.
The way forward is simple but not easy. Can we count on you?

Doing Good: The American Legion

Hundreds of soldiers came together in Paris in 1919 to build something bigger than the sum of its parts.
The organization responsible for the GI Bill and Veterans Day continues to help service members, veterans, and their families.

Celebrating Veterans Every Day


About 1.8 million veterans live in California. Here are some organizations dedicated to serving the needs of those who served America.


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Santa Cruz County's Homepage

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 enhances a classic cookie

This version of the recipe uses chocolate chips, but other excellent mix-ins include raisins, dried cranberries, toasted chopped nuts or caramel chips.
New! Autumn spices and mix-ins boost the fall vibe


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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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Santa Cruz Local logo After Trump Win, Santa Cruz County Leaders Affirm Support for Immigrants

Several Santa Cruz County leaders, including Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah, reaffirmed their support for immigrants Thursday in the wake of Donald Trump’s presidential election.

Hilltromper Santa Cruz logo Zero Emission Rail Service Is Coming to Santa Cruz!

The design and planning for new zero-emission passenger rail service is happening now, and includes an online survey plus two Community Workshops on Tues., Nov. 12, in Watsonville and Weds., Nov 13, in Live Oak.

The Pajaronian logo Norovirus Outbreak Closes Valencia Elementary School; 236 Absent Thursday

Valencia Elementary School was closed Friday after numerous students were sickened by what is likely norovirus. The school will reopen Tuesday.

Press Banner logo Preschool Program Expands at Highlands Park Center in Ben Lomond

Community Bridges recently announced that Highlands Park Center in Ben Lomond, one of six sites in its Early Education Division (EED), has expanded its California State Preschool Program to offer free or low-cost early care and education services for qualifying …

Press Banner logo SLVWD Board Appoints Interim General Manager

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Board of Directors recently announced it has approved a contract for John Kunkel to be interim general manager.

Santa Cruz Local logo Input Wanted on Rural Highway Upgrades in Santa Cruz County

A new effort to eliminate fatal crashes and improve safety on six rural highways in Santa Cruz County recently kicked off with meetings and an online survey.

Good Times logo The Hills Are Alive

The Santa Cruz Boardwalk Giant Dipper has drawn over 60 million thrill-seekers to scream while careening around the roller coaster’s hairpin turns. But more than 65,000 motorists a day know that roller coaster ride pales compared to the high-speed, white-knuckle …

Hilltromper Santa Cruz logo From Santa Cruz to the Stars

UCSC astronomer ‘Dr. X’ talks about the stellar history of the Lick Observatory at SC Museum of Natural History lecture/cocktail-party.

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Recent Local News

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Veterans Honored in Santa Cruz County

Learn more about a November 11 ceremony honoring veterans at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Cruz.

(11/11/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel

Santa Cruz County Elections Department to Evacuates Over Bomb Threat

Read on for more information about the emailed bomb threat which caused the Santa Cruz County Elections Department to evacuate their offices over the weekend.

(11/11/2024) → Lookout Local

Santa Cruz County Election Results

Official election results from the Santa Cruz County elections department.

(11/10/2024) → Santa Cruz County Elections Department

Community Meeting November 20: Santa Cruz Ocean Street Development

A mixed-use five-story development proposed for a parcel on Water Street in Santa Cruz will be the subject of an online community meeting scheduled for November 20. Read on for details about the project and how you can give your input.

(11/08/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel

Fishhook Closure Overnight November 14

Learn more about the work being done on the Highway 1 Fishhook which will require an overnight closure on November 14.

(11/08/2024) → Lookout Local

Cabrillo College Housing Project Moves Forward

In their November 4 meeting, the Cabrillo College Board of Trustees selected a developer for a massive 624-bed on-campus housing project. Read on to learn more about the project and the partnership with UCSC.

(11/08/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel

UC Staff to Strike November 20 and 21

Click to find out why two University of California unions are striking on November 20 and 21, and how this will impact UCSC.

(11/08/2024) → Lookout Local

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County Seeks Donations

With more than 65,000 residents relying on their services, Second Harvest Food Bank enters the holiday season in urgent need of donations.

(11/06/2024) → Lookout Local

POST Land Trust Buys 1,300-Acre Pescadero Ranch in Santa Cruz County for Over $15M

The Peninsula Open Space Trust this week announced the purchase of over 1,300 acres of land on the southeast edge of Santa Cruz County, southwest of Gilroy.  

(11/05/2024) → Local News Matters

How Mail-in Ballots Are Processed

Click to learn more about how your mail-in ballot is processed by the elections department.

(11/05/2024) → Lookout Local

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
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Recent Statewide News

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• CA Workers Could Lose Deportation Protections

Immigration advocates are sounding the alarm over the prospect of mass deportations upending California immigrant communities, which Donald Trump has vowed to initiate when he returns to the White House in January.

(11/11/2024) → CalMatters

• California Empowered Immigrants to Speak Up at Work. Trump Could End Their Protections

California wants to protect witnesses in workplace investigations from deportation, but the Biden administration program for undocumented employees is at risk with Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

(11/10/2024) → CalMatters

• California Enacts New Climate Rules — which Could Boost Gas Prices

Experts don’t know how much gas prices may rise from the revised California climate program, which tightens standards and gives incentives for low-carbon fuels. The board ordered an annual review of the cost impacts.

(11/08/2024) → CalMatters

• What Trump’s Border Policies Mean for California

President-elect Donald Trump campaigned on implementing a sweeping border crackdown and undertaking the largest-scale deportation effort in history. If carried out, his proposed initiatives will have profound consequences in California, which shares a 140-mile border with Mexico.

(11/08/2024) → CalMatters

• Here We Go Again: California Prepares to Battle Trump Over Environmental Policies

A lot is at stake with the new Trump administration: California’s water projects, its unique authority to clean its air, federal support for offshore wind and disaster aid for wildfires.

(11/07/2024) → CalMatters

• Newsom Calls Special Session to ‘Trump-Proof’ California

Newsom wants the new Legislature to ‘protect’ California from Donald Trump on civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate action, and immigrant families. The session will start Dec. 2.

(11/07/2024) → CalMatters

• The California Legislature Set a Record for Women in Office and Could See Historic Gender Parity

California’s Senate will reach gender parity, but depending on the outcome of some close contests, that could extend to the whole Legislature.

(11/07/2024) → CalMatters

• Proposition 4 $10 Billion Climate Bond Passes

Learn more about how the just-passed $10 billion climate bond measure will fund resiliency projects across the state.

(11/05/2024) → The Sacramento Bee

• 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
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (11/09/2024)

Yu Shang Food Inc. Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2024 - Yu Shang Food, Inc, a Spartanburg, SC, establishment, is recalling approximately 4,589 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products out of an abundance of...
Image of Santa Cruz County Office of Education seal. Santa Cruz County Office of Education   (11/08/2024)

Support for Immigrant Communities

Dear community member, Yesterday I joined a coalition of local education and government officials who released a letter affirming our steadfast support for Santa Cruz Countys immigrant communities. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education stands firm in its belief that our schools are safe spaces for every student, regardless of their background, identity, or immigration status. [...] The post …
Image of City of Watsonville seal. City of Watsonville   (11/08/2024)

Join Us for the Holiday Tree Lighting at the City Plaza

Image of City of Watsonville seal. City of Watsonville   (11/08/2024)

Arts & Culture Survey for Watsonville's Public Art Master Plan

Share your vision for arts & culture in Watsonville. Complete the survey!
Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. County of Santa Cruz   (11/08/2024)

11/8/2024 - City/County Veterans Ceremony to be Held Veterans Day

Image of United States seal. United States   (11/07/2024)

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Large Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken Due to Presence of Undeclared Egg Allergen

Possible Undeclared Egg Allergen
Image of Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission seal. Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission   (11/07/2024)

Transportation Agency for Monterey County seeking community input on proposed Pajaro-Watsonville Multimodal Station Project

The post Transportation Agency for Monterey County seeking community input on proposed Pajaro-Watsonville Multimodal Station Project appeared first on SCCRTC.
Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. County of Santa Cruz   (11/06/2024)

11/6/2024 - Ben Lomond Transfer Station and Recycling Center to Remain Open, CRV Redemption Services to End July 2025

Image of United States seal. United States   (11/05/2024)

CIBUS Fresh, is Recalling CIBUS Fresh Products Containing Glenview Farms Spreadable Brie, 2/3lb Due to Supplier Notification of a Possible Listeria Monocytogenes

Use or consumption of products contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes 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 such as high fever, severe he
Image of City of Watsonville seal. City of Watsonville   (11/05/2024)

WPD receives grant to boost bicycle and pedestrian safety