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By Eric Johnson
Published Nov 18, 2024

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary Image credit: Robert Schwemmer/NOAA

The Life Aquatic: Resilience and ... Aquarium Webcams!

This week, you might appreciate some reasons to believe that it's reasonable to hold out hope for the future—I'm just guessing. And you may also be ripe to be remindeed that there are some good things happening in this real world, while elsewhere things are getting weirder than ever. I feel fortunate to bring you three pieces of truly good news. 

And yes, a reminder: If you hopescroll a bit here, you will find a recipe that you might use to make yourself and your loved ones more happy, AND links to true news articles about stuff that is happening where you live, so you can actually participate in building democracy. (Sorry ... don't mean to sound preachy ... and  ... you're welcome.)

People Have the Power

Here’s a good story with a happy ending: A decade ago, the Chumash Tribal Council, led by Chief Fred Collins, proposed to federal authorities that the coastal waters offshore of their ancestral homeland be designated as a National Marine Sanctuary. In October, that wish came to be. (See below.)

The Chumash people found an ally in the state of California, and also in federal agencies. Sometimes–not always–government works. In this case, definitely yes.

Meanwhile, up the coast in Santa Cruz County, the California State Parks department is working to democratize decisions about rebuilding a state beach and campground that were decimated by storm damage in 2023. The Seacliff Resilience Project is holding public meetings and collecting input—"reimagining" ways to guard against the twin threats of megastorms and rising sea-levels. This could be a new thing statewide and beyond.

And the life of the sea abides: The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a California treasure of global significance. Among the myriad gifts it brings the world are its webcams. Please do yourself a favor and hit the link and watch -- the otters. Or the moon jellies. Or (deep breath) the kelp forest. Face it: Things are not all bad. 

The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary

The newest of the 17 U.S. marine sanctuaries is being stewarded by the people who know it best.
Thousands of square miles of ocean and coastal habitat are now preserved for future generations.

Crowdsourcing Plans for Resilience


Seacliff State Beach was obliterated by storms in 2023. California State Parks is mobilizing the public to reimagine its future.

One Good Thing: Monterey Bay Aquarium Webcams

The gentle waving back and forth of the kelp forest has entranced visitors since the aquarium opened.
Have a desire to watch a kelp forest, or some moon jellies, or some otters, or sharks, or birds? Not a problem thanks to these amazing live webcams.

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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.

Persimmons add flavor to fruity fall scones

The firmer Fuyu persimmon is the fruit featured in this delicious scone.
New! Persimmon-raisin scones with fresh Fuyu persimmon

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Get to Know a Group

Central Coast Community Energy logo Central Coast Community Energy

Central Coast Community Energy is a Community Choice Energy Agency established to source clean and renewable electricity for Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties and parts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties while retaining local utility providers’ traditional role delivering power and maintaining electric infrastructure as well as billing.

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From Our Media Allies

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Santa Cruz Local logo Child Care, Meals on Wheels Could Be Reduced With Local Funding Changes

Some nonprofit programs that have long relied on grants from the county and the city of Santa Cruz, including Meals on Wheels and the Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center, haven’t been recommended for new grants this year — potentially leading …
Santa Cruz Local logo Mission Street Updates: La Reina Market, Food Bin, Arrow Surf Shop, 1815 Mission

Four projects on Mission Street in Santa Cruz moved forward in November.

Santa Cruz Local logo Rail Stations Proposed for Live Oak, Capitola, Aptos, Rio Del Mar

The rail-trail project could include an elevated track at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, more than 11 stations and a paved path that detours from the rail line in Live Oak, Capitola, Rio Del Mar and South County, authorities said …
The Pajaronian logo Monica Martinez to Be First LGBTQ County Supervisor

When Monica Martinez is sworn in to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in January, she will be one of two women to take seats on the dais in more than a decade.
Press Banner logo Scotts Valley City Council Approves New Facility Rental Fees

Scotts Valley City Council has taken the next step in addressing a $700,000 deficit in recreation funding by approving new facility rental and special-event fees.
Sacramento News and Review logo When Fish Are Free: Hundreds of Salmon Are Now Spawning in Klamath River and Tributaries After Dam Removal Completed

Hundreds of fall-run Chinook salmon are now spawning on the Klamath River and its tributaries both above and below the former sites...
Tahoe Daily Tribune logo Sierra Nevada May Hold Key to Meet California’s Ambitious 30×30 Goal

California's 30 X 30 goal was a topic at the Sierra Nevada Alliance Conservation Conference held at Lake Tahoe Community College, Nov. 7-8. In 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom committed the state to conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters …
Good Times logo Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board’s Big Shift

When Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s newly elected governing members are sworn in Dec. 18, the board will have a drastically different look with at least two new members—and possibly four—if recently released election results hold.
Good Times logo Cabrillo College Faces Major Cuts

Cabrillo College is being forced to cut some 70 of its 1,394 classes and $4.5 million from its $89.3 million budget–5% of both–as a result of low attendance and state funding cuts.
Good Times logo Funny Paper

On April Fools Day, 1984, not-yet-a-denizen Thom Zajac was driving over Highway 17 toward Santa Cruz, when he had an epiphany.
Hilltromper Silicon Valley logo Veteran Pacifica Surfers Hope Artificial Reef Can Quash the Need for a Beach-Destroying Seawall

Former Surfrider president and his allies propose an offshore reef to protect Sharp Park Beach—and create a nice wave for surf competitions.
San Lorenzo Valley Post logo Iconic Bigfoot Museum Building on the Market

The two-room building at the corner of Highway 9 and San Lorenzo Avenue that currently houses the Bigfoot Discovery Museum is for sale. Located near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the 390 square foot single family residence was built in …
The Pajaronian logo Stepping Up for Veterans

Cold autumn rain did not dissuade a group of roughly two-dozen veterans who gathered Monday morning at Natural Bridges State Park for a 10-mile walk to Britannia Arms restaurant in Capitola.
The Pajaronian logo Second Harvest Kicks Off Annual Food Drive

A cadre of nonprofit leaders and county officials gathered at Cabrillo College on November 7 to kick off Second Harvest Food Bank’s annual Food and Fund Drive, when that organization takes in the lion’s share of its donation for the …
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Recent Local News

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• Watsonville Forming Homelessness Task Force

The City of Watsonville is in the process of forming a citizen and agency task force to address the sharp increase in local homelessness. Read on for details and information about how you can apply to serve on the task force.

 (11/15/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel

• Santa Cruz Moving Forward With Westside Street Sweeping

Learn more about a California Coastal Commission vote which paves the way for the City of Santa Cruz to begin weekly street sweeping on Westside streets favored by people living in their vehicles.

 (11/15/2024) → Lookout Local

• Meet the Two Finalists for Next Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History Leader

An introduction to Laura Henkel and Ginger Shulick Porcella, the two candidates under consideration to lead the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.

 (11/14/2024) → Lookout Local

• November Volunteer Opportunities in Santa Cruz County

Lookout Local's list of 10 opportunities for you to volunteer in the community this November.

 (11/14/2024) → Lookout Local

• Prescribed Burns Scheduled for Wilder Ranch State Park

Get the details about the California State Parks prescribed burns at Wilder Ranch State Park over the next two weeks and resulting temporary trail closures.

 (11/12/2024) → Lookout Local
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Recent Statewide News

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• Fewer Kids Are Going to California Public Schools. Is There a Right Way to Close Campuses?

Declining enrollment, the end of pandemic relief funding and uncertain state funding are forcing school districts to make some difficult decisions.

 (11/14/2024) → CalMatters

• California Schools Brace for Trump’s Attacks on Immigrants, Trans Students and ‘Woke’ Curriculum

More than 115,000 children in California were undocumented in the most recent census count, and it’s estimated almost half of California children have at least one immigrant parent.

 (11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• UC Faces Half-Billion-Dollar Budget Shortfall and Eyes Tuition Increase for New Nonresident Students

The University of California anticipates more than a $500 million budget gap next summer, so It’s considering a $3,402 jump in tuition for new nonresident students next fall. Meanwhile, the system is planning billions in construction projects.

 (11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• Trump Has Promised to ‘End’ Offshore Wind. What Will That Mean for California’s Big Bet?

Trump’s promise to “end” the offshore wind industry could threaten CA’s renewable energy goals, potentially cutting off federal funding.

 (11/13/2024) → CalMatters

• Trump’s Proposed Tariffs, Especially on China and Mexico, Could Hit California Hard

Trump has threatened new, higher tariffs on two of California’s biggest trade partners, China and Mexico. The state’s workers and economy could feel the most impact.

 (11/12/2024) → CalMatters
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Government Announcements

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Image of United States seal. United States   (11/16/2024)

Grimmway Farms Recalls Organic Whole and Select Organic Baby Carrots That May Be in Consumers' Homes Due to Potential E. coli Contamination
Grimmway Farms has issued a recall of select organic whole carrots and organic baby carrots that should no longer be in grocery stores but may be in consumers' refrigerators or freezers.
Image of City of Watsonville seal. City of Watsonville   (11/16/2024)

Rex Report | November
Parks & Community Services news that YOU should know
Image of City of Watsonville seal. City of Watsonville   (11/15/2024)

Friends of the Library Book Sale
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Image of City of Watsonville seal. City of Watsonville   (11/15/2024)

Winter Spring Fun Guide
Our Winter/Spring Fun Guide is now available for viewing.
Image of Santa Cruz County Office of Education seal. Santa Cruz County Office of Education   (11/15/2024)

Gratitude for Partnerships in Building Educator Pathways
ed.PATH November Newsletter! In the newsletter, you will find resources and opportunities to help make a difference! The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) is being retired and will no longer be offered after June 30, 2025. The Commission has developed a transition plan for the RICA pursuant to SB 488. New approved options to complete [...] The post Gratitude for …
Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. County of Santa Cruz   (11/15/2024)

11/15/2024 - 3-Day Spay & Neuter Clinic Offers Affordable Services and Media Opportunity
Image of Santa Cruz County Office of Education seal. Santa Cruz County Office of Education   (11/14/2024)

Countywide BSU Organizes Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day at Soquel High Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day at Pajaro Valley High Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day 2024 at Santa Cruz High Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day at Soquel High Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day at Pajaro Valley High Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day [...] The post Countywide BSU …
Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. County of Santa Cruz   (11/14/2024)

11/14/2024 - Environment Committee to Spotlight $71M NOAA Grant
Image of City of Watsonville seal. City of Watsonville   (11/13/2024)

2024 Holiday Trash & Recycling Services Schedule
Image of City of Watsonville seal. City of Watsonville   (11/13/2024)

WPD secures grant to enhance traffic safety efforts