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By Eric Johnson
Published Feb 03, 2025

Image credit: Eric Johnson

A Midwinter Check-In

Midwinter greetings from the gray and rainy capital of the greening Golden State. According to the Farmers' Almanac, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, marks the exact halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox—this day is celebrated in snowy cultures as Midwinter.

There are two ways we might use this obscure holiday to inform our discussion in this episode of The Newsletter. 1) Grimly contemplate the dark, cold months we have traversed since the happy holiday season ended, while gravely considering the darker events of those months (or last week). 2) Look forward hopefully to the warmth and brightness of spring, and find something within our remit to celebrate. 

Okay, you win. This week, in our endless quest to present a fresh perspective on the news: While goverment workers are being virtually massacred back east, we offer an appreciative look at the people we like to call "public servants."

Also, below: Maybe you don't need me to tell you that you can find (right here!) local news you need; an inspiring hook-up with a heroic non-profit organization; and (what?) a recipe for a dish that might make everythng feel better.


What is Government Work Worth?

As you have probably heard, some of our California technology brothers (love 'em, hate 'em, or both) have achieved positions of power in DC, and are cleaning house—relieving longtime government workers of their jobs. This is being seen as either a much-needed move toward government efficiency or an attack on democracy. (If the tech bros had any demonstrated understanding of civics or government policy, I'd say that's an open question.)

Coincidentally, local elected officials here at home are being vilified for giving themselves raises—often for the first time in decades. Chris Neklason presents some context.


Most Local Elected Officials Work Hard for Low Pay

Yeah, it might feel like that but it (probably, mostly) isn't true.
Recent votes to give California's mayors and council members pay raises have led to criticism. Is it justified?


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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 Winter! cookbook.


Gingery carrot soup packs in nutrition and comfort

Garnished with orange juice and an optional dollop of orange-zest-infused yogurt, this gingery carrot juice is a guaranteed warmer on a winter day.
New! Vegan soup is loaded with vegetables and spices


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 Bird Flu Risks Described by Santa Cruz County Health Officials

Santa Cruz County health officers said bird flu has not shown up in the county, but residents should take precaution.

The Pajaronian logo Protesters Block Businesses, Streets as Event Stretches Into Evening

A huge, boisterous crowd of people protesting recent arrests of immigrants around the country took their message to the streets Monday following a rally in Watsonville Plaza.

The Pajaronian logo Day Without Immigrants Draws Thousands

Thousands of people filled the streets in downtown Watsonville Monday afternoon, waving Mexican flags, carrying signs and chanting, all in observance of a Day Without Immigrants, one of numerous protests nationwide against the hardline immigration policies enacted by the new …

KSQD logo Downtown Plan Expansion – Frank Barron and Rick Longinotti

Host, Mathilde Rand is in conversation with Frank Barron and Rick Longinotti about the Santa Cruz Downtown Expansion.

KSQD logo Engineer and Fire Captain Patrick Durham on Battery Safety and the Moss Landing Fire

Lithium-ion batteries power everything from our smartphones to electric vehicles, but they also come with risks. In this episode of Talk of the Bay, Meilin Obinata sits down with Patrick Durham, a mechanical engineer and firefighter, to dive deep into …

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo SLV Water District Seeks Public Input for Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District released its draft 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) for public review. The draft plan will be presented at the district's February 6 SLVWD Board of Directors meeting.

KSQD logo Meet the Workers Who Are Unionizing the Monterey Bay Aquarium – Talk of the Bay

On this Talk of the Bay, Meilin Obinata interviewed two members of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Workers United to find out what is motivating workers to form a union for the first time in the history of the aquarium.

San Lorenzo Valley Post logo Vegetation Control on Highway 9 Starts Monday, February 3

Beginning Monday, February 3, Caltrans will begin vegetation control work along the entire length of Highway 9 in Santa Cruz County. The first two weeks will focus on the roadway from east of Santa Cruz to Felton. The work continues …

Santa Cruz Local logo President’s Order Casts Uncertainty on Santa Cruz County Rail Trail Money

Following an executive order from President Donald Trump, a major grant to fund the Coastal Rail Trail could be in limbo.

Santa Cruz Local logo Are Santa Cruz County Governments Prepared for Sea-Level Rise?

Floodwaters spilling through Capitola Village. Waves lapping the base of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Seacliff State Beach fully submerged.

The Pajaronian logo PVUSD Trustees Appoint New Member

During a special meeting Friday afternoon, the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees appointed a new member to fill the seat left vacant when Kim De Serpa resigned to begin her role as a county supervisor.

Folsom Times logo Snowpack Dips Well Below Average in 2nd Snow Survey of the Season

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the second snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 22.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 8 inches, which is 46 percent of …

The Pajaronian logo Supervisor Felipe Hernandez: 2024 Year in Review

As we enter the new year, I’m reflecting on our achievements in 2024—progress made possible through collaboration with community members, colleagues, county staff, and you.

The Pajaronian logo Supervisors Demand Investigation Into Vistra Fire

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday joined several other local elected officials and residents demanding answers into the causes of the Jan. 16 fire at the Vistra battery storage facility in Moss Landing.

Press Banner logo Scotts Valley Enthusiastic About Becoming Autistic-Friendly Community

Every year, community organizations appear before Scotts Valley to share what they’ve been doing to bolster the social health of the local landscape and ask for a grant from the City toward their efforts.

The Pajaronian logo Supervisors Reaffirm Support for LGBTQ+ Community

The Santa Cruz County Supervisors Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution to reaffirm the county’s support for its LGBTQ+ residents and for women.

Press Banner logo Ben Lomond Residents Unite to Improve Local Infrastructure and Community Spirit

INewly-formed Ben Lomond Village Alliance sets sights on revitalizing downtown with ambitious projects.

KSQD logo Esselen Tribe Gets Land Back on Little Sur River

Tom Little Bear is President and Chairman of the Esselen tribe of Monterey County. He discusses the land back movement to return stolen lands from native tribes, and a recent 327 -acre land acquisition on the Little Sur River in …

Santa Cruz Local logo Workforce Board Aims to Solve Santa Cruz County Employment Problems

To better understand the needs of Santa Cruz County workers and employers, the county’s Workforce Development Board plans to host forums in January and February as it shapes a five-year strategic plan.

Santa Cruz Local logo New Group to Oversee $7 Million in Land Work Through Measure Q in Santa Cruz County

Applications are open to oversee about $7 million annually for environmental projects through Measure Q in Santa Cruz County.

Press Banner logo Vegetation Control Work on Highway 9 to Begin Monday With Daytime Traffic Control

Caltrans will begin vegetation control work on the entire length of Highway 9 in Santa Cruz County in support of California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risk along the state highway system.

Hilltromper Santa Cruz logo Exploring Neary Lagoon With the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History has made bold strides towards accessibility and community connection through recent signage installations at Neary Lagoon.

Santa Cruz Local logo Cabrillo College Trustees Reaffirm Troubled Property Manager for Student Housing Project

Cabrillo College leaders plan to host a community meeting Wednesday to describe and answer questions about a proposed housing project on the college’s Aptos campus. The proposal envisions 624 beds for students of Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz. Units …

The Pajaronian logo Study Shows ‘Heavy Concentrations’ of Heavy Metals in Soil After Moss Landing Fire

One day after a group of Santa Cruz County residents collected soil samples from the areas impacted by the Jan. 16 battery storage facility fire at the Moss Landing Power Plant to test for heavy metals, a San Jose State …

Sacramento News and Review logo Delta Communities, Regional Fishing Groups, Startled by New Presidential Executive Orders

On January 24, President Donald Trump issued executive orders that will have “devastating consequences” for California’s water future, public health and environmental protections – threatening a federal takeover of the state’s right to manage its land and resources – according …

Santa Cruz Local logo Rent Hikes to Be Tackled by Santa Cruz City Council

As a lawsuit from a Santa Cruz landlord works its way through federal court, the Santa Cruz City Council is set to consider amending its rules on rent increases.

Santa Cruz Local logo Santa Cruz Council to Consider New Miramar Restaurant on Wharf

Ten years after the closure of Miramar Fish Grotto on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, a new version of the restaurant may return to the site.

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Recent Local News

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The Struggle to Rebuild After 2020 Santa Cruz Mountains Fire

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Santa Cruz Native Wins Grammy

Read on to learn more about Grammy-winning jazz pianist and Santa Cruz native Pascal Le Boeuf.

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Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board Fills Vacant Seat

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Homeless Documentary At the Rio Theatre on February 13

Read on to learn more about the documentary ‘Beyond the Bridge’ about how American cities are responding to homelessness, playing on February 13 at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz.

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Margaux Morgan Appointed to Fill Capitola City Council Vacancy

Though she lost her bid for reelection in November, Margaux Morgan was appointed and sworn in in fill a vacant seat on the Capitola City Council. Read on to learn more.

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Spotlight on School Wellness Centers

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Supervisors Advance Cannabis Lounge Ordinance

In their January 28 meeting, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors narrowly gave preliminary approval of the consumption of products onsite at local dispensaries. Read on to learn more about the rule changes.

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After Vistra Battery Fire, Residents Report Illness, Scientists Confirm Contaminated Soil

HUGE FLAMES BLAZED through the roof of the industrial building. Billowing smoke rose slowly to a plume and moved inland. Teresa Villaruz and her family watched from their car on Highway 1.

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Recent Statewide News

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Spotlight on Black History Month

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(02/04/2025) The Sacramento Observer
CA Lawmakers Propose $175 Million Increase for Cal Fire Staffing

Roughly a month after deadly wildfires erupted in Los Angeles County, killing at least 29 people, lawmakers in the state Senate have introduced a proposal to bolster Cal Fire staffing, and Gov. Gavin Newsom is meeting with President Donald Trump over disaster aid.

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State Farm Asks for More Insurance Rate Increases After LA Fires

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Donate to the LA Wildfire Recovery Fund

The California Community Foundation is accepting donations to help the folks impacted by the fires in Southern California. Consider donating today.

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Monarch Butterfly Numbers Plummet

The statewide count of overwintering monarch butterflies shows a sharp drop in number. Read on to learn more.

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CA Monarch Butterfly Count Yields Worrisome Finding

For the past three years, more than 200,000 western monarch butterflies spent their winters along the California coast — huddling together in tall tree groves, finding respite from the wind from November to February.

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Should ‘Aiding’ or ‘Abetting’ a Homeless Camp Be Illegal? It Might Soon Be a Reality in This Bay Area City

The unusual move is alarming activists who worry they could be in the ordinance’s crosshairs.

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Sierra Snowpack Drastically Below Normal — And No One’s Turning on the Pumps, DWR Says

Snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, which supplies about one-third of California’s water needs, was far lower than average for the end of January at one of the state’s measurement points on January 31.

(02/03/2025) Local News Matters
About That Trump-Ordered San Joaquin Valley Water Release...

Read on to learn more about the Trump-ordered "emergency" release of water from two San Joaquin Valley reservoirs and how it is literally going down the drain (and not to preserve LA from fires as claimed).

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Federal Judge Dismisses Case Claiming Community College Diversity Policies Infringe on Academic Freedom

Plaintiffs claimed that being evaluated on their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility principles is unconstitutional and has a chilling effect on their free speech rights.

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Charging Forward: ‘Lithium Valley’ Could Offer Prosperity for Marginalized Area of California

CHRIS BENNER AND MANUEL PASTOR have had front row seats to the changes taking place in the so-called Lithium Valley, the region around the Salton Sea, where a network of companies have hatched a plan for local and state government entities to mine vast quantities of lithium to use in the batteries that power electric vehicles.

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Over $4 Billion in LA Fire Claims Distributed, More to Come

Insurance companies have paid out $4.2 billion in claims so far to survivors of the Los Angeles County fires, the state Insurance Department said Thursday.

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California Monarchs See Steep Decline

The number of monarch butterflies overwintering in California are at a near-record low, and the wiping out of the Topanga butterfly habitat by the LA fires has made matters worse. Read on to learn more.

(01/30/2025) Los Angeles Times
Artificial Intelligence Is Bringing Nuclear Power Back From the Dead — Maybe Even in California

Energy demands from big tech, including for AI, has elected officials giving an old power source a second look.

(01/29/2025) CalMatters
More CSU Budget Cuts Proposed

Struggling with prior cuts, California State University calls latest proposed budget cuts unacceptable. Read on to learn more.

(01/29/2025) Los Angeles Times
New Regulations Proposed for Battery Energy Storage Facilities Following Moss Landing Fire

In the wake of the fire earlier this month at Vistra Corporation’s Moss Landing Power Plant and Energy Storage Facility, the California Public Utilities Commission has proposed new standards for battery energy storage facilities.

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Government Announcements

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Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. February is National Children's Dental Health Month (CDHM)
County of Santa Cruz   (02/04/2025)
Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. Febrero es el Mes Naciona de la Salud Dental Infantil
County of Santa Cruz   (02/04/2025)
Image of City of Watsonville seal. Friends of the Watsonville Library Annual Meeting
You are invited to attend the Friends of the Watsonville Library Annual Meeting.
City of Watsonville   (02/03/2025)
Image of Santa Cruz County Office of Education seal. Response to Federal Actions
Dear community member, Executive orders issued this week are adding to the sense of confusion and uncertainty in the school community, and I want to take this opportunity to share my thoughts. First and foremost, I am dismayed to see these orders issued in the first place. They are diametrically opposed to the mission of [...] The post Response to …
Santa Cruz County Office of Education   (01/31/2025)
Image of City of Watsonville seal. Watsonville’s Sandbag Stations Remain Open
City of Watsonville   (01/31/2025)
Image of United States seal. Gerber Products Company Announces Recall and Discontinuation of All Batches of Gerber® Soothe N Chew® Teething Sticks Due To Choking Hazard
January 31, 2025 - Gerber Products Company is initiating a recall and discontinuation of all batches of GERBER SOOTHE N CHEW TEETHING STICKS due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children
United States   (01/31/2025)
Image of City of Watsonville seal. Shape Watsonville’s Future: Public Meeting on Feb. 3
City of Watsonville   (01/31/2025)
Image of United States seal. Blue Ridge Beef Issues a Recall of Blue Ridge Beef Natural Mix Due to Salmonella Contamination
January 31, 2025- Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 5,700 lbs. of their 2 lb log Natural Mix due to a contamination of Salmonella. Lot # N25/12/31 (Lot numbers are stamped in the clips on the end of the chubs/bags) UPC# 854298001054.
United States   (01/31/2025)
Image of United States seal. DJ's Boudain LLC Recalls Sausage Link Products Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2025 - D.J.'s Boudain, LLC, a Beaumont, Texas, establishment, is recalling approximately 17,720 pounds of boudain sausage link products that may be contaminated with foreign materials, specifically...
United States   (01/31/2025)
Image of County of Santa Cruz seal. State Funding for Traffic Safety Programs Awarded to County Public Health
County of Santa Cruz   (01/31/2025)
Pay to Park (funds stay local) ad from Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.